A political controversy erupted on Monday after Mallikarjun Kharge made remarks about ‘illiterate’ people in Gujarat during a rally in Kerala, drawing strong reactions from BJP leaders.
Addressing a public meeting in Idukki ahead of the Assembly elections, Kharge stated, “Don’t misguide the people of Kerala. They are very clever and educated. Modi, Vijayan, you both can fool people who are illiterate in Gujarat or other places, but you cannot fool the people of Kerala.”
Responding sharply, Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Sports Minister and MP from Porbandar, accused the Indian National Congress of having a long-standing negative mindset towards Gujarat.
“The Congress party’s negative mindset towards Gujarat and Gujaratis is nothing new. Whether it is the attempt to ignore the contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, or the case of stalling the Narmada dam project and obstructing the state’s development, Congress has always worked against the interests of Gujarat,” he asserted.
Referring to Kharge’s statement, he noted, “The recent statement made by Kharge ji also reflects this same thinking, which shows the bitterness and ill intent towards Gujarat that exists within Congress.”
Bhupendra Patel termed the remarks ‘highly objectionable and unfortunate’.
“The statement made by Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge regarding the people of Gujarat is highly objectionable and unfortunate,” Patel remarked. “Such remarks not only insult six crore Gujaratis, but also hurt the dignity of the sacred land of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.”
He further added, “Gujarat has always played a leading role in nation-building, development and unity, and will continue to do so. Such statements reflect the narrow mindset of Congress.”
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi also criticised Kharge, questioning Congress’s repeated targeting of Gujarat and calling the remarks an insult to its people.
Kharge’s comments came during his campaign in Kerala, where he targeted both the BJP and the ruling Left Democratic Front, intensifying political exchanges across states.
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