Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed regret for his recent comments during a Kerala election rally where he compared “educated and clever” Keralites to “illiterate” individuals in Gujarat. Kharge clarified that his statements were being misinterpreted and he never meant to offend the people of Gujarat.
The remarks sparked criticism from the BJP and Gujarat residents, who perceived them as a slight against the region and elitism. Kharge stated that his intention was never to hurt the sentiments of the people of Gujarat, whom he holds in high regard.
During an election rally in Kerala’s Idukki district, Kharge had praised the state’s educated populace, contrasting them with what he described as illiterate individuals in Gujarat and elsewhere. The comments drew sharp condemnation from Home Minister Amit Shah and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
Chief Minister Patel described Kharge’s remarks as objectionable and insulting to the dignity of Gujarat, Mahatma Gandhi, and Sardar Patel. He criticized the Congress party for its alleged insecurity in the face of the development initiatives led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The exchange of statements between the BJP and Congress has heightened political tensions ahead of the upcoming elections. The BJP has accused Kharge of making offensive remarks, while the Congress maintains that his comments were part of political criticism during the election campaign.
