New Delhi: BJP MP Kangana Ranaut on Wednesday defended her controversial 'cockroach' and 'gutter' remarks, saying she was referring only to a specific section of people and not making a blanket statement about the youth.

Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Ranaut argued that her remarks had been misinterpreted and said she was responding to people who themselves used the term 'cockroach'.

'Those who call themselves cockroaches, and we say that cockroaches emerge from gutters, what is wrong with that?' Ranaut said.

Elaborating on her comments, the actor-turned-politician said she did not consider herself a cockroach and would reject any suggestion that she belonged in a gutter.

'I certainly don't consider myself a cockroach. If someone were to say I live in a gutter, I would deny it. But if someone claims to be a cockroach, then naturally, they would live in a gutter. Where else?' she said.

Ranaut also rejected allegations that she had described all young people as belonging in the gutter. According to the BJP MP, her remarks were specifically directed at certain individuals and sections of society involved in issues such as drug abuse, betting, gambling and the dark web.

'But to claim that I was referring to all youth is simply not the case,' she said, adding that discussing addiction and other problems affecting some young people should not be interpreted as a statement against the entire generation.

Ranaut further said she had specifically referred to 'some people or some women' and questioned how such issues should be addressed if public figures were not allowed to speak about them.

The BJP MP also took a swipe at those questioning Union Home Minister Amit Shah's absence from a direct interaction, asking whether critics expected him to come out into the Parliament courtyard and answer questions one-on-one.

'So, what can you expect from people with such low IQs?' Ranaut said. Her remarks come amid a political controversy over comments concerning the youth and alleged drug addiction, with the BJP MP seeking to clarify that her criticism was aimed at a particular section rather than young people as a whole.