Kharge’s Kerala rally speech has triggered a nationwide political response, with BJP leaders calling it insulting as campaigning heats up before the April 9 assembly elections.
File image: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge during the CEC meeting for Kerala, in New Delhi. (AICC/ANI Photo)
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday kicked off a sharp political row after comments made during a rally in Kerala drew strong reactions from the BJP, just days before the state votes.
Speaking in Idukki, Kharge criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, alleging that while people in Kerala are aware and educated, leaders may be able to mislead “illiterate” populations in other regions, including Gujarat.
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The remark has triggered backlash from BJP leaders across states, turning the focus of the campaign from local issues to a national political confrontation.
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Kharge told the rally that voters in Kerala are “intelligent and educated” and urged political parties not to mislead them. He also accused both PM Modi and Vijayan of concentrating power in their own hands and alleged an understanding between the BJP and the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front to keep Congress out of power in the state.
“Don’t misguide the people of Keralam. They are very clever, they are educated. Modi ji, Vijay (Pinarayi Vijayan), you both can fool people who are illiterate in Gujarat or in other places, but you can’t fool Keralam people,” he said.
“Narendra Modi in Delhi and Pinarayi Vijayan in Keralam have a similar style of functioning. They both want to keep power centralised in their own hands. I heard from people that Keralam’s Narendra Modi is Pinarayi Vijayan, and that the BJP and the LDF have secretly plotted to keep the Congress away from power,” he claimed.
Kharge also took aim at the Left government’s record over the past 10 years, asking what people have really gained despite repeated promises. He flagged corruption allegations, including the gold smuggling case, and spoke about the struggles of tea and cardamom workers, saying many are facing poor conditions and uncertainty. He said Congress would focus on fair wages, timely payments and better dignity for workers if voted to power.
Kerala will vote on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4.
The BJP reacted strongly, accusing Kharge of insulting citizens across the country.
BJP national president Nitin Nabin said the Congress leadership has a pattern of disrespecting people. He pointed out that leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Mahatma Gandhi hailed from Gujarat, adding that such remarks reflect what he called a “petty mindset”.
“Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress leaders have a character of disrespecting others. Sardar Patel and Mahatma Gandhi come from the same Gujarat… You are disrespecting the son of Gujarat who made his place in the entire country and across the globe. The states in which you didn’t get into power, you called them illiterate. This shows your petty mindset and character… Mallikarjun ji, keep giving such statements, and the public will keep punishing you,” Nabin told ANI.
BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi said the statement raises questions about Congress’ view of several national leaders and accused the party of dividing the country through such narratives.
From Bihar, minister Ram Kripal Yadav said it was surprising for an “educated leader” to describe fellow citizens in this way, warning that it could further damage the Congress politically.
Meanwhile, BJP leader CR Kesavan termed the remark “condemnable” and said it hurt the dignity of citizens. He also claimed there was widespread anger and called on Kharge to apologise.
The controversy comes at a crucial moment, with Kerala heading into assembly elections. The campaign is getting sharper by the day, and this latest clash has turned a state election into a bigger national face-off.
Alongside the political sparring, Kharge has continued to push issues of governance, labour conditions and alleged corruption under the LDF government, while the BJP has focused on framing his remarks as an insult to the people.
Voting in Kerala and Puducherry will take place on April 9, and results will be declared on May 4.
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