The political atmosphere in India is currently charged after a senior Tamil Nadu Congress leader, K.S. Alagiri, stated that actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut "must be slapped" if she visits Tamil Nadu. Alagiri's remark has sparked widespread controversy and drawn condemnation from various quarters. The comment was made in response to Ranaut's past statements regarding women activists and a previous incident where she was slapped at Chandigarh airport.

Alagiri's controversial statement references an incident from June 2024 where a CISF constable, Kulwinder Kaur, allegedly slapped Ranaut at the Chandigarh airport. Kaur reportedly took issue with Ranaut's remarks about the farmer protests, as her own mother had participated in them. Alagiri, a former Tamil Nadu Congress president, stated he was reacting to complaints from farmers who were upset with Ranaut's past comments. He recounted a recent interaction with agricultural workers who were offended by Ranaut's insinuation that they could be paid a nominal fee to attend protests. Alagiri stated that he advised the agricultural workers to do what the police officer at the airport did if Ranaut comes to their area.

The roots of this controversy trace back to the 2020 farmers' protest when Ranaut posted a tweet targeting Mohinder Kaur, a 73-year-old farmer activist. In her tweet, Ranaut misidentified Kaur as Bilkis Bano of Shaheen Bagh and suggested that women like her could be hired for a meager sum to participate in demonstrations. This led to accusations of defamation against the actress, and a defamation case is currently pending, with the Supreme Court recently declining to quash the proceedings.

In response to Alagiri's remarks, Kangana Ranaut has asserted her right to travel freely throughout the country. Ranaut stated, "We can go wherever we want. No one can stop anyone. If there are people who hate me, there are more people who love me. People in Tamil Nadu have always showered love on me. One person saying something won't make any difference".

Alagiri has defended his remarks, stating that Ranaut "speaks with arrogance". He has cited the incident at the Chandigarh airport as justification for his statement, implying that Ranaut's past behavior warrants such a response.

The controversy has ignited a firestorm of reactions online, with many questioning the appropriateness of such violent rhetoric from a senior politician. Critics argue that such statements are unconstitutional and unacceptable, especially when directed at a female Member of Parliament. The incident underscores the deep divisions and sensitivities surrounding political discourse in India, particularly concerning issues related to farmers' rights, social activism, and freedom of expression.