Kangana Ranaut stirs controversy with remarks on Mahatma Gandhi's legacy on Gandhi Jayanti
Mumbai: BJP MP and actress Kangana Ranaut sparked controversy on Mahatma Gandhi's Jayanti with an Instagram post that appeared to downplay the significance of Gandhi's legacy. In her post, Ranaut wrote, “देश के पिता नहीं, देश के तो लाल होते हैं। धन्य हैं भारत माँ के ये लाल,” praising former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri as a "son of Bharat Mata," while seemingly omitting Gandhi’s role as the Father of the Nation.
Ranaut's comments have drawn widespread criticism, with many interpreting the post as an attempt to undermine Gandhi’s pivotal contributions to India's independence movement. Critics argue that such remarks reflect a growing effort within certain political circles to reshape historical narratives and diminish Gandhi's stature.
Opposition leaders were quick to condemn Ranaut’s statements, accusing her of distorting history and undermining the values of non-violence and unity that Gandhi stood for. "Mahatma Gandhi's contribution to the freedom struggle is undeniable, and any attempt to belittle it is an insult to the nation's history," said a senior leader from the Congress party.
This controversy follows a series of similar incidents involving Ranaut, including her remarks on the farmers' protests, which led to significant backlash from both the public and political figures. Though she later apologized for her comments on the farm laws, her latest remarks have reignited debate over her public statements and the role of historical figures in modern political discourse.
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KSCA expresses disappointment over missing IPL playoffs, says it was ready to host matches in B’luru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has issued a clarification stating that it was fully prepared to host the IPL playoffs and final matches in Bengaluru but the fixtures were allotted to other venues.
In a media note, KSCA said it was disappointed with the decision. The association stated that its president, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, had been in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and had formally conveyed the association’s readiness and interest in hosting the matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA said the IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season were appreciated for smooth conduct, crowd management and overall experience for spectators. It said this reflected its ability to handle high-profile matches.
The association also stated that it had sent a detailed communication to the BCCI explaining its preparedness and the operational arrangements followed during the current IPL season. According to KSCA, these systems have been in place since the start of the Indian Premier League in 2008 and were followed consistently, including during previous playoff matches hosted in Bengaluru.
The clarification added that the communication sent to the BCCI was only meant to provide factual and operational details and to bring clarity on logistical and stakeholder-related requirements involved in hosting such matches.
KSCA said that although it had shown willingness and preparedness, the BCCI has decided to allocate the playoff matches to other venues. It added that the reasons for this decision have not been formally shared with the association, but it respects the authority of the board in taking such decisions.
The association further said it remains ready to host matches of national and international importance and will continue to cooperate with the BCCI, franchises, government authorities and other stakeholders for conducting cricket events.
The statement was issued by KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, who also thanked the media and cricket fans for their continued support.
