A political controversy arose when Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, speaking at a rally in Kerala, made statements that were perceived as targeting the people of Gujarat. This led to a strong reaction from Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who criticized Kharge’s remarks as “extremely objectionable and unfortunate.” Chief Minister Patel expressed that the comments not only insulted the six crore people of Gujarat but also disrespected the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, tarnishing the state’s contributions to the nation’s progress and unity.
In response, CM Patel condemned the Congress for its alleged narrow-mindedness and discomfort with the BJP’s popularity under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He emphasized that the people of Gujarat are capable of responding to such statements and expressed confidence that voters in Kerala would reject the Congress in favor of the BJP’s development-focused agenda. Kharge, at the Kerala rally, reportedly remarked that leaders like PM Modi and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan could deceive the people of Gujarat but not the intelligent and educated populace of Kerala.
Kharge further predicted that the BJP would not secure a single Assembly seat in Kerala, citing the state’s awareness and education level in understanding the BJP’s alleged communal agenda. He also accused the ruling Left Democratic Front and the BJP of having a hidden understanding, labeling them as two sides of the same coin. The Congress president criticized Kerala CM Vijayan for supposedly emulating PM Modi’s approach, triggering backlash from the BJP and accusations of divisive politics.
The BJP, through spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari, condemned the Congress for its divisive tactics and accused the party of sowing discord among different sections of society. This controversy unfolds amidst escalating political activities as parties gear up for forthcoming elections in multiple states.
