New Delhi, April 8, 2024 – Bollywood actress and BJP’s Himachal Pradesh candidate Kangana Ranaut has landed in a controversy after a video clip of her referring to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose as the “first Prime Minister of independent India” went viral on social media.

The clip, which appears to be from one of Ranaut’s recent campaign events, shows her making the statement while addressing a gathering. “Our first prime minister was not Jawaharlal Nehru, it was the brave Subhash Chandra Bose,” she can be heard saying in the video.

Opposition parties and netizens were quick to call out the factual inaccuracy and troll the actress-turned-politician for her remarks. The Congress party accused Ranaut of “rewriting history” and demanded an apology.

“Kangana’s lack of basic knowledge about India’s independence struggle and its prominent leaders is appalling,” said Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, leader of the Congress party in the Lok Sabha. “Her statement not only insults our first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru but also undermines Netaji’s immense sacrifices for the nation.”

Social media was abuzz with criticism, with many users questioning Ranaut’s educational background and suitability as a political candidate. #KanganaInsultsNetaji and #KanganaDisrespectsHistory were among the top trending hashtags on Twitter.

However, Ranaut’s supporters defended her statement, claiming she was referring to the Azad Hind government formed by Bose and his role as the head of the Provisional Government of Free India in 1943.

BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia stated, “Kangana’s statement needs to be seen in proper context. She was highlighting Netaji’s pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle and his vision for an independent India.”

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose was a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement and the founder of the Indian National Army (INA). He established a Provisional Government of Free India during the latter stages of World War II but never formally served as Prime Minister of independent India.

The controversy has once again fueled debates around political candidates’ educational qualifications and knowledge of Indian history and governance.