BJP Member of Parliament and Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut became the centre of controversy after posting a tweet comparing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to former U.S. President Donald Trump, a move that drew swift backlash from her own party.
In the now-deleted tweet, Kangana claimed that Trump was “jealous” of Modi’s global stature, describing the Indian Prime Minister as the “father of all alpha males.” The post triggered internal criticism, with senior BJP leaders urging party president JP Nadda to address the matter.
Following Nadda’s intervention, Kangana removed the tweet and issued a public clarification. While she initially defended her remarks, she later acknowledged that the BJP leadership had instructed her to take it down.
In her statement, Kangana said:
“Respected national party president Shri JP Nadda ji called me and asked to remove the tweet I had posted, highlighting Donald Trump asking Apple CEO Tim Cook to stop manufacturing in India. I apologise for posting my very personal opinions. According to his directives, I immediately removed it from my social media platforms.”
The incident underscores the delicate balancing act India maintains in its diplomatic relations, especially with the United States. As the Modi government works to strengthen strategic and economic ties globally, statements by public figures—particularly those within the ruling party—are closely monitored for potential diplomatic implications.
The controversy also coincides with heightened U.S.–India trade tensions, particularly around technology and manufacturing. Former President Trump had criticized India’s high tariffs while noting the shift of Apple’s production from China to India.
India has emerged as a significant player in Apple’s global supply chain. The company recently exported around 600 tons of iPhones, or approximately 1.5 million devices, to the U.S. via chartered cargo flights—a strategic move to mitigate the impact of Trump-era tariffs, including a 125% duty on certain Chinese imports.
Kangana’s tweet—tying together tech policy, global trade, and international diplomacy—highlighted just how sensitive such topics remain in India’s evolving political and geopolitical narrative.
