News Analysis India

Tag: Rihanna

  • Government shouldn’t have ‘asked’ big personalities like Sachin, Lata to tweet on farmers’ issue: Raj Thackeray

    By ANI
    MUMBAI: In the wake of comments by celebrities on the ongoing farmers’ protest, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Sunday said that the government should not have “asked” big personalities like former batsman Sachin Tendulkar and legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar to tweet in their support on the issue and put their “reputation” at stake.

    The MNS chief said that the agitation is against the government policies and not concerning issues of national interest.

    “The government should not have asked big personalities like Sachin Tendulkar and Lata Mangeshkar to tweet in support of its stand and put their reputation at stake. They are recipients of Bharat Ratna. Actors like Akshay Kumar were enough for this task,” said Thackeray.

    “This issue was about the policies of the government and not of the country. It was not a matter related to China or Pakistan. It was a matter of farmers. The Bharat Ratna recipients tweeted on behalf of the government and now they are being trolled,” he said.

    Days after Tendulkar made comments on the protest by farmers, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar had asked the former Indian cricketer to “exercise caution while speaking about other fields”.

    “Many people (celebrities) have reacted sharply to the stand taken by them (farmers). My suggestion to Sachin Tendulkar is he should be cautious while commenting on fields other than his domain,” Pawar had said.

    Taking to Twitter, former Indian cricket team captain tweeted: “India’s sovereignty cannot be compromised. External forces can be spectators but not participants. Indians know India and should decide for India. Let’s remain united as a nation. #IndiaTogether #IndiaAgainstPropaganda.”

    His remarks came after a few international celebrities including pop star Rihanna commented on farmers’ protests.

    Farmers have been protesting on the different borders of the national capital since November 26 last year against the three new farm laws: Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; the Farmers Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and farm Services Act 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

  • What’s wrong if foreign celebs support our stir; don’t know Rihanna, Greta Thunberg: Rakesh Tikait

    By PTI
    GHAZIABAD: “Mujhe kya pata, kara hoga.Main kya unhe jaanun!” farmer leader Rakesh Tikait said on Thursday, breaking into his characteristic rustic style of conversation when asked about the support from several international celebrities to the protests against new agri laws.

    The 51-year-old Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader from the hinterlands of Muzaffarnagar in western Uttar Pradesh welcomed the support from international artistes and activists, including Rihanna and Greta Thunberg, although admitting he does not know them.

    Talking to the media at Ghazipur on the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border, Tikait, who is credited with reviving the agitation that had gone slim after the January 26 violence in Delhi, sought to know who these people were.

    “Kaun hain ye videshi kalaakar? (Who are these foreign artists)?” Tikait said exhibiting unawareness when asked about the foreigners supporting the farmers’ movement.

    When informed about American pop-singer Rihanna, adult star Mia Khalifa and Swedish teen climate activist Greta Thunberg, the Sisauli-born Tikait responded: “Mujhe kya pata, kara hoga. Main kya unhe jaanun! (They would have supported the farmers’ protest, but I don’t know them!).”

    “Koi videshi agar samarthan kar raha to kya dikkat hai, kuch le-de thodi na raha hai (If some foreigner is supporting the movement, then what is the problem. They are not giving us or taking anything away from us),” he said.

    ALSO READ| US govt reaction to farmer protests must be seen in its entirety: Ministry of External Affairs

    Commenting on a futile attempt of 15 members of parliament to reach Ghazipur and meet protestors earlier on Thursday, the BKU national spokesperson said the MPs should have sat on the ground on the other side of the barricading where they were stopped by the Delhi Police.

    “Barricading laga rakhi hai inge. Unhe aana tha, we wahin baith jaate. We unghe baith jaate hum inge baithe the (A barricading has been set up here. The MPs had to come, but they should have sat down there itself. They would have been on the other side and we on this side (of the barricades),” he said.

    Tikait said he did not have any talk with the 15 MPs who had tried to come to Ghazipur to meet the protestors. He added that they were also not allowed to speak to the protestors.

    The 15 MPs from 10 Opposition parties, including the SAD, the DMK, the NCP and the Trinamool Congress, wanted to meet protestors at Ghazipur. Members of the National Conference, the RSP and the IUML were also part of the delegation.

    Parliament member and Shiromani Akali Dal leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who coordinated the visit, said the leaders were not allowed to cross the barricades and reach the protest site, where thousands of farmers are camping since November with a demand that the government repeal the new agri-marketing laws enacted last September.

    ALSO READ| Farmers’ protest: No ‘chakka jam’ on February 6 in Delhi, says Rakesh Tikait

    The farmers protest at Ghazipur, Tikri and Singhu at Delhi borders have now attained global spotlight with prominent international celebrities and rights activists talking about the stir.

    In its pushback, the government said the facts on the issue must be ascertained before rushing to comment on it, and asserted that the “temptation” of sensationalist social media hashtags and views is “neither accurate nor responsible”.

  • Damage to India’s image by government’s ‘obduracy’ can’t be remedied by cricketer’s tweets: Tharoor

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: As several Bollywood and cricketing stars rallied around the government in its pushback to the global celebrities expressing support for farmers’ movement, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday said the damage done to India’s global image by the government’s “obduracy and undemocratic behaviour” can’t be remedied by a cricketer’s tweets.

    India hit out at global celebrities such as singer Rihanna and climate activist Greta Thunberg for their support of the farmers’ protests.

    Several Bollywood and cricket stars as well as top ministers also rallied around the government in its pushback.

    “For GoI (government of India) to get Indian celebrities to react to Western ones is embarrassing. The damage done to India’s global image by GoI’s obduracy & undemocratic behaviour can’t be remedied by a cricketer’s tweets,” tweeted Tharoor, who served as the minister of state for external affairs from May 2009-April 2010 during the UPA II government.

    Tharoor’s tweet came after cricketing stars Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble and Ravi Shastri used the twin hashtags — #IndiaTogether #IndiaAgainstPropaganda — to amplify the pushback to the global celebrities.

    “Withdraw the farm laws & discuss solutions with farmers & you’ll get #IndiaTogether,” tweeted the former UN under secretary general.

    Another senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said it is good that Rihanna and Greta Thunberg can wake up the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

    “Come on MEA, when will you realize that people concerned with issues of human rights and livelihoods do not recognize national boundaries? Why did MEA comment on the military coup in Myanmar? Why is it ‘deeply concerning’ to the MEA?” he said in a series of tweets.

    Why does MEA regularly comment on issues that are “internal” to Sri Lanka and Nepal, the former Union minister asked.

    “Why did the PM of India comment on the assault on the Capitol building in Washington by the Trump storm troopers? It is sad that someone erudite and worldly wise like Mr S Jaishankar should allow such puerile reactions by the MEA,” Chidambaram said.

    Earlier, former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, at a press conference, refused to comment on the tweets by the international celebrities extending support to the farmers’ protest, saying “this is our internal matter”.

    Adding to the voices of Rihanna and Thunberg were American actor Amanda Cerni, US Vice President Kamala Harris’ niece Meena Harris, ‘Serendipity’ star John Cusack, who retweeted a post by Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate reading, “Let us talk about what is happening in India right now #FarmersProtest”, and former adult star Mia Khalifa who asked, “What in the human rights violations is going on?! They cut the internet around New Delhi?! #FarmersProtest.”

    In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs earlier slammed the remarks made by Rihanna and other celebrities and activists on farmer protests, saying the facts on the issue must be ascertained before rushing to comment on it, and asserted that the “temptation” of sensationalist social media hashtags and views is “neither accurate nor responsible”.

  • Rahul, Rihanna and racket: BJP says Congress MP conspires with foreigners

    By Express News Service
    NEW DELHI:  With many international personalities, including celebrities, lending their support to India’s protesting farmers, the BJP on Wednesday lashed out at “propaganda and fake narratives” and also attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging that he conspires with anti-India elements during his trip abroad.

    “We stand together. We stand United against all attempts to malign India through propaganda and fake narratives,” BJP president J P Nadda tweeted as a storm brew over the issue.

    At a press conference, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra hit out at Gandhi over his attack on the government over the farmers’ issue.

    “He goes abroad to hatch conspiracy with anti-India elements as to how to defame India and drag the country into controversies,” he alleged.

    Be it Rihanna or Mia Khalifa or others like them who have tweeted, Rahul Gandhi meets these people for anti-India propaganda, Patra claimed.

    The title of this press conference is “Rahul, Rihanna and racket,” Patra said, accusing Gandhi of using farmers’ protests for his political interests and instigating people.

    He noted that farmers have been saying that they have nothing to do with politics, and said Gandhi has shown his “immaturity” by trying to talk on their behalf. 

    Gandhi on Wednesday said India’s reputation has taken a “massive hit” and its biggest strength, its soft power, has been “shattered” by the BJP and the RSS.

    He defended the massive barricading done by the Delhi Police to block farmers protesting at several Delhi border points from entering into the national capital, saying cops have taken measures to ensure that the violence which happened on January 26 is not repeated.

    Even the Congress and Gandhi had asked why farmers were allowed to enter Red Fort, and they are now upset at the Delhi Police for taking preventing measures, he said, adding that they want conflict and police firing so that there are dead bodies and they can do politics over it.

    Asked about Gandhi’s allegation that there is no leadership in India, Patra mocked him, saying he might have the Congress on his mind.

    To a question about Gandhi’s tweet, seen as a veiled dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wondering why the names of so many dictators begin with ‘M’, Patra noted that the names of former prime minister Manmohan Singh and Mahatma Gandhi also begin with the same letter.

    Patra also objected to the Punjab government and the Congress deciding to provide legal aid to those against whom the police has taken legal action for the Republic Day incidents in the national capital during the farmers’ tractor rally.

    “They were earlier alleging that BJP agents were responsible for the violence. And now they are providing them legal aid. There is no institution in the country that would stand with anarchists and the rioters of January 26. Are these people associated with Rahul Gandhi that he is ready to provide legal aid to them,” he asked.

    Attacking Gandhi for his allegation that the government wants to “kill” the farmers, he said the Delhi Police acted with admirable restraint and noted that over 28 farmers were killed in a police firing in 1998 in Madhya Pradesh when the Congress was in power.

    “You (Gandhi) have done politics over the dead bodies of farmers. You are spreading lies,” he said.

    (With PTI Inputs)

  • Motivated campaigns targeting India won’t succeed: S Jaishankar on global support for farmers’ stir

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: Motivated campaigns targeting India will never succeed, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday, in comments that came on a day his ministry hit out singer Rihanna and climate activist Greta Thunberg for their support to farmers agitating against the new agricultural laws.

    ALSO READ| India equipped to resolve crisis amicably: Lata Mangeshkar

    A tweet by Rihanna extending support to protesting farmers triggered a wave of support for them by a number of global celebrities, activists and politicians. “Motivated campaigns targeting India will never succeed. We have the self confidence today to hold our own. This India will push back,” Jaishankar said on Twitter with hastags #IndiaTogether and #IndiaAgainstPropaganda.

    Motivated campaigns targeting India will never succeed. We have the self confidence today to hold our own. This India will push back. #IndiaTogether #IndiaAgainstPropaganda
    — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 3, 2021

    In a strong response to the remarks made by Rihanna and other celebrities and activists, the Ministry of External Affairs earlier said the “temptation” of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments is “neither accurate, nor responsible”.

    Besides Rihanna, Swedish teen climate activist Greta Thunberg, Meena Harris, an American lawyer and niece of US Vice President Kamala Harris, actress Amanda Cerni, singers Jay Sean, Dr Zeus and former adult star Mia Khalifa too voiced their support to the protesting farmers.

    Rihanna on Tuesday became the first global name to voice her support to the ongoing farmers agitation while criticising the Internet shutdown at the protest sites at Delhi border.

    ALSO READ| Akshay, Ajay and others say ‘India against propaganda’ after Rihanna, Greta support farmers protest

    In its reaction, the MEA also said some “vested interest groups” are trying to enforce their agenda on the protests and that a very small section of farmers in parts of the country have some reservations about the farm reforms which were passed by the Parliament after a full debate and discussion.

    “Before rushing to comment on such matters, we would urge that the facts be ascertained, and a proper understanding of the issues at hand be undertaken,” the MEA said in the statement on ‘recent comments by foreign individuals and entities on the farmers’ protests’.

    Tens of thousands of farmers have been protesting at three border points on the outskirts of Delhi demanding a complete repeal of the three farm laws.

  • ‘India stands united’: Amit Shah as global celebrities lend voice to farmers’ protest

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said no propaganda can deter India’s unity or stop the country from attaining new heights, after American singer Rihanna and other celebrities and activists commented on the ongoing farmer protests.

    Rihanna, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, American actress Amanda Cerni, US Vice President Kamala Harris’ niece Meena Harris and several other prominent people took to Twitter to lend their voices to the months-long farmers’ protests against three newly enacted agri laws.

    “No propaganda can deter India’s unity! No propaganda can stop India to attain new heights! Propaganda can not decide India’s fate only ‘Progress’ can. India stands united and together to achieve progress,” Shah tweeted.

    No propaganda can deter India’s unity!No propaganda can stop India to attain new heights!Propaganda can not decide India’s fate only ‘Progress’ can.India stands united and together to achieve progress.#IndiaAgainstPropaganda#IndiaTogether https://t.co/ZJXYzGieCt
    — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) February 3, 2021

    The home minister’s tweet was posted with hashtags – #IndiaAgainstPropaganda and #IndiaTogether – that were used in the statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and in the tweets by top Union Ministers who spoke in similar vein.

    The MEA has slammed the remarks made by Rihanna and other celebrities and activists on farmer protests, saying the facts on the issue must be ascertained before rushing to comment on it.

    It also said that the “temptation” of sensationalist social media hashtags and views is “neither accurate nor responsible”.

    The tweets by the foreign celebrities created a splash on social and other media, and the related hashtags were among the top trends on Twitter.

  • Study farm laws first before forming opinion: Ramdas Athawale on Rihanna’s tweet

    By ANI
    NEW DELHI: After international pop star Rihanna tweeted on farmers’ protest, Rajya Sabha MP Ramdas Athawale on Wednesday said people who are supporting the agitation should form an opinion after studying new farm laws.

    “I think it is a personal choice for anyone to support or not support whatever they like, but be it Rihanna or anyone else from the industry, they should study the farm laws first before forming an opinion,” Athawale told ANI when asked to comment on farmers’ protest.

    The Member of Parliament further added that it is not good to oppose the law without even knowing whether it is for the good of farmers or not.

    On Tuesday, Rihanna had taken to her Twitter handle and shared a news story by CNN on the internet shutdown in several districts of Delhi’s neighbouring state Haryana after protestors broke barricades to enter New Delhi and clashed with police in several parts of the national capital during the January 26 ‘tractor rally’ protest organised by farmers. The protestors also entered the iconic Mughal Era monument Red Fort and unfurled their flags from its ramparts.

    “Why aren’t we talking about this?!”, wrote Rihanna, as she added the hashtag #FarmersProtest along with the post on the micro-blogging site.

    Farmers have been protesting on the different borders of the national capital since November 26 last year against the three newly enacted farm laws – Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; the Farmers Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and farm Services Act 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

  • Akshay, Ajay and others say ‘India against propaganda’ after Rihanna, Greta support farmers protest

    By PTI
    MUMBAI: Bollywood stars Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, filmmaker Karan Johar and Suniel Shetty on Wednesday said citizens should focus on the government’s efforts to resolve the ongoing farmer crisis rather than paying attention to “half truths” and those “creating differences.”

    Their comments came after the Ministry of External Affairs reacted sharply to comments by international pop star Rihanna, teen climate activist Greta Thunberg and others on farmers’ protests.

    In a statement, the MEA said a very small section of farmers in parts of the country have some reservations about the farm reforms and a proper understanding of the issue is needed before rushing to comment on the agitation.

    Rihanna, who has 100 million followers on Twitter and is among the most followed people on the microblogging site, on Tuesday tweeted, “why aren’t we talking about this?! #FarmersProtest, linking a CNN report on the internet shutdown near the protest site.

    ALSO READ | Lilly Singh, Jay Sean, other celebrities join Rihanna in extending support to farmers’ protest in India

    Sharing the MEA statement on Twitter, Akshay said that the efforts by the government to solve the issue are “evident”.

    “Farmers constitute an extremely important part of our country. And the efforts being undertaken to resolve their issues are evident. Let’s support an amicable resolution, rather than paying attention to anyone creating differences. #IndiaTogether #IndiaAgainstPropaganda,” Kumar wrote.

    Devgn urged the people to be wary of “false propaganda against India or Indian policies”.

    “Don’t fall for any false propaganda against India or Indian policies. Its important to stand united at this hour w/o any infighting #IndiaTogether #IndiaAgainstPropaganda” he posted.

    Johar said the country shouldn’t let “anyone divide us”.

    “We live in turbulent times and the need of the hour is prudence and patience at every turn. Let us together, make every effort we can to find solutions that work for everyone—our farmers are the backbone of India. Let us not let anyone divide us. #IndiaTogether” he said.

    Shetty also shared the MEA on Twitter, saying nothing is “more dangerous than half truth”.

    “We must always take a comprehensive view of things, as there is nothing more dangerous than half truth.#IndiaTogether #IndiaAgainstPropaganda” he said.

    Without naming anyone, singer Kailesh Kher said that anti-India can stoop to any level to defame the country.

    “Even in this sad phase of pandemic,India is helping all nations with vaccine supply for the sake of Humanity. Let all realise that India is ONE & will not tolerate comments against it. #IndiaTogether #IndiaAgainstPropaganda” he tweeted.

    On Tuesday night, international pop star Rihanna became the first global name to voice her support to the ongoing farmers agitation while criticising the internet shutdown at the protest site.

    Later, Thunberg, Swedish environmental activist, also backed the agitation, tweeting, “We stand in solidarity with the #FarmersProtest in India.”

    In its response, the MEA said the Parliament of India passed the reformist legislation relating to the agricultural sector, and noted that some of the vested interest groups have tried to mobilise international support against India.

    “We would like to emphasise that these protests must be seen in the context of India’s democratic ethos and polity, and the efforts of the government and the concerned farmer groups to resolve the impasse.

    The minister asserted that facts should be ascertained and a proper understanding of the issues must be taken “before rushing to comment on such matters”.

    “The temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted to by celebrities and others, is neither accurate nor responsible,” the statement said.

    Thousands of farmers, mainly from Punjab and Haryana, have been camping at several Delhi border points since November last year, demanding the government to repeal the three farm laws and legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for their crops.

    Sites of the farmer protest at Delhi’s borders have turned into fortresses with the police beefing up security and putting up multi-layer barricades to stop the movement of vehicles.

    Barbed wire has also been put up to keep off people on foot.

    The strengthened security measures at the agitation sites across the Delhi borders come after the violence during the Republic day tractor parade.

  • Facts need to be ascertained before rushing to comment on farmers’ protests: MEA hits back at Rihanna, Greta

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday slammed the remarks made by American singer Rihanna and other celebrities and activists on farmer protests, saying the facts on the issue must be ascertained before rushing to comment on it, and asserted that the “temptation” of sensationalist social media hashtags and views is “neither accurate nor responsible”.

    The strong reaction by the Ministry of External Affairs came after Rihanna, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, American actress Amanda Cerni, US Vice President Kamala Harris’ niece Meena Harris and several other prominent people took to Twitter to lent their voices to the months-long farmer protests against three newly enacted farm laws.

    The MEA also said some “vested interest groups” are trying to enforce their agenda on the protests and that a very small section of farmers in parts of the country have some reservations about the farm reforms which were passed by the Parliament after a full debate and discussion.

    “Before rushing to comment on such matters, we would urge that the facts be ascertained, and a proper understanding of the issues at hand be undertaken,” the MEA said in a statement.

    ALSO READ | Greta Thunberg, others join Rihanna to extend support to farmers’ protest in India

    “The temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted to by celebrities and others, is neither accurate nor responsible,” it said.

    Tens of thousands of farmers have been protesting at three border points on the outskirts of Delhi demanding a complete repeal of the three farm laws.

    Emphasising that the protests must be seen in the context of India’s democratic ethos and polity, the ministry said some vested interest groups have tried to mobilise international support against the country.

    Instigated by such “fringe elements”, Mahatma Gandhi statues have been desecrated in parts of the world, it said, adding this is “extremely disturbing” for India and for civilised society everywhere.

    The ministry also noted that respecting the sentiments of the protestors, the Central government has initiated a series of talks with their representatives and Union ministers have been part of the negotiations.

    As many as eleven rounds of talks have already been held, it said.

    The Government has even offered to keep the laws on hold, an offer iterated by no less than the Prime Minister of India, it asserted.

    “Yet, it is unfortunate to see vested interest groups trying to enforce their agenda on these protests, and derail them. This was egregiously witnessed on January 26, India’s Republic Day. A cherished national commemoration, the anniversary of the inauguration of the Constitution of India, was besmirched, and violence and vandalism took place in the Indian capital,” the ministry said.

    Indian police forces have handled these protests with utmost restraint, the MEA said, adding it may be noted that hundreds of men and women serving in the police have been physically attacked, and in some cases stabbed and seriously wounded.Defending the three contentious agri laws, the ministry said,”these reforms give expanded market access and provided greater flexibility to farmers. They also pave the way for economically and ecologically sustainable farming.”

  • Lilly Singh, Jay Sean, other celebrities join Rihanna in extending support to farmers’ protest in India

    By ANI
    NEW DELHI: After American pop star Rihanna’s recent tweet surrounding the farmers’ protest in India, singer-songwriter Jay Sean has expressed his support for farmers, who have been protesting against the Centre’s new agri laws.

    The 39-year-old singer shared a photo from the farmers’ protest on Instagram and called it “one of the largest protests ever in history”.

    “It’s one of the largest protests EVER IN HISTORY, and hardly any mainstream coverage. I live in the US and I’ve barely seen it on the news or mainstream media. I don’t know what needs to be done to raise more awareness and have more eyes on this but I’ve seen videos that are far too graphic and heartbreaking to post,” the ‘Eyes on You’ hitmaker wrote.

    “People that are old enough to be my grandparents being trampled over with no remorse or regard. Pls go to my story where I will post a petition link and something actionable. #istandwithfarmers #farmersprotest,” he added.

    This post comes after Rihanna extended support to farmers protesting on the borders of India’s capital against the three agriculture laws introduced by the Central government. Apart from Rihanna, several other international celebrities such as Amanda Cerny, Lilly Singh, Greta Thunberg came out in support of the farmers.

    Rihanna had shared a news report on Tuesday that mentioned the internet shut down in parts of India and tweeted, “why aren’t we talking about this?! #FarmersProtest.”

    Reacting to Rihanna’s viral tweet, Lilly Singh wrote, “Yes! Thank you so much @rihanna. This is a humanity issue! #IStandWithFarmers and this narrative is TIRED.”

    Yes! Thank you so much @rihanna. This is a humanity issue! #IStandWithFarmers and this narrative is TIRED. https://t.co/H0h5EM7mNW
    — Lilly // #LateWithLilly (@Lilly) February 2, 2021

    Amanda Cerny posted a photo of women farmers on Instagram and in the caption, she wrote, “The world is watching. You don’t have to be Indian or Punjabi or South Asian to understand the issue. All you have to do is care about humanity. Always demand freedom of speech, freedom of press, basic human and civil rights-equity and dignity for workers. #FarmersProtest #internetshutdown”

    Teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg had also extended her support to the farmers, saying that she stands in solidarity with the farmers. “We stand in solidarity with the #FarmersProtest in India,” Thunberg wrote on Twitter on Tuesday.

    Several other celebrities including Priyanka Chopra, Sonam Kapoor, Diljit Dosanjh, have also spoken in support of the farmers.

    On the other hand, actor Kangana Ranaut, who had supported farm laws called Rihanna a “fool” and said that the protestors were not farmers but “terrorists who are trying to divide India”.

    “No one is talking about it because they are not farmers they are terrorists who are trying to divide India, so that China can take over our vulnerable broken nation and make it a Chinese colony much like the USA… Sit down you fool, we are not selling our nation like you dummies,” Kangana tweeted on Tuesday.

    No one is talking about it because they are not farmers they are terrorists who are trying to divide India, so that China can take over our vulnerable broken nation and make it a Chinese colony much like USA…Sit down you fool, we are not selling our nation like you dummies. https://t.co/OIAD5Pa61a
    — Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) February 2, 2021

    Farmers have been protesting on the different borders of the national capital since November 26 last year against the three newly enacted farm laws: Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; the Farmers Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and farm Services Act 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.