Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has reacted after a girl, who was booked for allegedly using abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on July 23, issued a public apology. Sharing the apology video on social media, Kangana claimed the teenager had been “instigated” and called on parents to safeguard children from ideological influence.
Kangana shares apology, blames ‘instigation’
Taking to her Instagram Stories, Kangana reposted a screenshot from the girl’s apology video and wrote that the teenager herself admitted she had never posted anything against Prime Minister Modi before attending the protest.
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“She is hardly 15, yeh khud bol rahi hai (she herself is saying) she never posted anything against Modi ji in her whole life but that day her friends took her there and people instigated her to abuse,” Kangana wrote.
She further added, “Aao apne bachchon ko evil feminazi and demonic leftists se bachao (let us protect our children from evil feminazi and demonic leftists). We need to protect our children from them.”
‘We as a community are failing somewhere’
In another Instagram Story, Kangana questioned why, according to her, certain groups of girls were more vulnerable to influence during protests.
“Khud notice karo ek bhi scarf/burkha wali ne bhonda pradarshan nahi kiya (Notice that not even one girl wearing a scarf or burkha behaved this way), but our daughters are easily manipulated. Aisa kyu (why)? We as a community are failing somewhere. We must introspect. We must protect our daughters,” she wrote.
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Her remarks have sparked discussion online, with reactions divided over her comments and the broader debate surrounding the incident.
Teen apologises in video
The apology video surfaced shortly after the controversy surrounding the protest. In the video, the girl identifies herself as 15 years old and says she deeply regrets using abusive language against the Prime Minister.
“I came under the influence of some people at the protest and said a lot of bad things against the Prime Minister. I am only 15 years old. Whatever I did was not worthy of forgiveness. I apologise to the entire country. I am so ashamed. I can’t even look at myself. Please forgive me,” she says in the clip.
However, the FIR related to the case reportedly identifies the accused as 25 years old. Hindustan Times noted that it could not independently verify the authenticity of the apology video or the age claimed in it.
PM Modi appeals for forgiveness
The apology came hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the controversy in an Instagram video, urging people to respond with restraint rather than punishment.
Describing those involved as “misguided children”, Modi said society has a responsibility to guide them instead of dragging them through legal proceedings or social ostracisation.
“These are misguided children, and showing them the way is our duty; we will not be able to change circumstances by punishing them, making them run around the courts, or harassing them in society,” the Prime Minister said.
He also appealed to students to move forward and contribute positively to the nation.
“Children, come, let us move forward together for the country. Let us learn something new, let us learn even from mistakes… I live for you, I toil for your bright future, so come, let us together take the country forward,” he added.
The episode has since generated widespread political and public debate, with reactions ranging from support for the Prime Minister’s call for forgiveness to criticism over the circumstances surrounding the protest and the subsequent apology.
FAQS
Why did Kangana Ranaut react to the apology?
Kangana said the teenager was influenced by others and urged parents to protect children from such influences.
What did PM Modi say on the issue?
PM Modi called the students “misguided children” and urged forgiveness instead of punishment.