Even as the controversy surrounding Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks on Gujaratis being illiterates was ongoing, another party leader, Kanhaiya Kumar, stirred further debate by labeling Gujaratis as “infiltrators.” In a video clip shared on social media, Kanhaiya Kumar urged people to expel Gujaratis from the state, referring to them as the “biggest ghuspaithiyas” (infiltrators). The video, although brief and lacking specific details, captured Kanhaiya’s disparaging comments during a political rally, reportedly related to the Assam elections.
Kanhaiya Kumar’s statement, though not directly naming individuals, was perceived as targeting BJP leaders from Gujarat, drawing significant criticism and backlash from online users. The controversy unfolded against the backdrop of the Assam election campaign, where the issue of illegal Bangladeshi migrants was a prominent theme, emphasized by the Chief Minister and the BJP as a threat to the state’s demographic balance. The latest uproar over derogatory remarks against Gujaratis follows closely after Mallikarjun Kharge’s contentious statement characterizing Gujarat residents as “illiterates” during an election rally.
The incident involving Kanhaiya Kumar’s remarks has reignited tensions within political circles, with calls for accountability and apologies echoing from BJP members in response to the perceived derogatory comments. The Congress party faced criticism on social media, with some users expressing disappointment over the party’s choice of rhetoric and its potential impact on electoral dynamics. Kharge, in a bid to contain the fallout, issued an apology for his earlier statement, attributing any misunderstanding to misinterpretation.
