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Kharge regrets remarks on Gujarat during Kerala poll speech

Hans News Service Bengaluru

MallikarjunKharge, President of the Indian National Congress, has expressed regret over his controversial remarks referring to people of Gujarat as “illiterate” during a recent election campaign speech in Kerala.

Taking to the social media platform X, Kharge said his statements made during a public rally were being “deliberately misinterpreted.” However, he added that he sincerely regretted the remarks. “I express my heartfelt regret if my words have hurt the sentiments of the people of Gujarat. It was never my intention to insult them,” he stated.

Kharge clarified that he has always respected the people of Gujarat and would continue to do so. “I have great regard for the people of Gujarat and their contributions. Any suggestion otherwise is incorrect,” he wrote.

The controversy stems from Kharge’s speech delivered on April 5 in Idukki, where he compared the literacy levels of Kerala with other states. Praising Kerala’s high literacy rate, he reportedly said that while leaders might be able to mislead “illiterate people” in places like Gujarat, it would not be possible to do so in Kerala.

The statement quickly triggered a political storm, with the Bharatiya Janata Party strongly condemning his remarks. BJP leaders accused Kharge of insulting the entire population of Gujarat and demanded an apology. Political observers note that while Kharge intended to highlight Kerala’s educational achievements, the comparison led to widespread backlash. The BJP has used the remarks to target the Congress, alleging that such statements reflect the party’s “elitist mindset.”

Meanwhile, Congress leaders have defended Kharge, arguing that his comments were taken out of context and were meant to emphasize literacy differences, not demean any community.

The episode underscores the sensitivity of political rhetoric during election campaigns, especially when references to regions and communities are involved. With elections approaching, such controversies are likely to intensify political exchanges between major parties.