Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said he regrets his recent remarks made during a rally in Kerala, after they drew sharp criticism from the BJP and leaders in Gujarat. He maintained that his comments had been misunderstood and were never meant to offend people in the state.
The controversy erupted after a speech in Idukki, where Kharge contrasted Kerala voters as “educated and clever” and said they could not be misled, unlike “those who are illiterate in Gujarat or other places”. The remarks quickly triggered a backlash, with critics calling them insulting and elitist.
Posting on X, Kharge said some parts of his speech were being “deliberately misinterpreted”. He added that he has always respected the people of Gujarat and did not intend to hurt their sentiments.
“Some remarks of mine in a recent election speech in Kerala are being deliberately misinterpreted. Even so, I express my sincere regret. It was never my intention to hurt the sentiments of the people of Gujarat for whom I have always had and will continue to have the highest of respect.”
BJP leaders attack remarks, call them insulting to Gujarat
The issue soon escalated politically, with senior BJP leaders condemning the statement. Home Minister Amit Shah criticised the Congress chief at a rally in Assam, saying the people of Gujarat would respond to such comments. He pointed out that Gujarat is the birthplace of figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Bhupendra Patel called the remarks “unfortunate” and “objectionable”, saying they hurt the dignity of the state and disrespected its legacy. He added that Gujarat would not accept such statements and linked them to what he described as Congress’ long-standing attitude towards the state.
The Chief Minister also questioned the logic of the comment, asking how a state that has seen significant development could be described in such terms.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi went further, demanding an apology. He said the statement had hurt the pride of millions of Gujaratis and questioned whether it reflected personal frustration or a broader political approach.
The exchange has added to tensions between the BJP and Congress as elections approach, with the ruling party accusing Kharge of making a sweeping and offensive remark, while Congress insists the comments were part of political criticism during campaigning.