New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has expressed regret over his controversial comments about Gujarat, saying his words were being deliberately misinterpreted and he never intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments. He said that he respects the people of Gujarat a lot and will continue to do so in future also. His clarification comes amid the growing controversy before voting in Kerala.
Congress leader Kharge said on the Nevertheless, I express my regret with responsibility on my part. I have always had and will always have the highest respect for the people of Gujarat. It was never my intention to hurt the sentiments of the people there.
What did Kharge say about Gujarat?
The controversy started when Kharge, while addressing a rally in Idukki, Kerala, said that the people of Kerala are educated and intelligent and cannot be misled, as can be done with the people of Gujarat and some other regions. Modi ji and Pinarayi Vijayan (Chief Minister of Kerala) both of you can fool the illiterate people in Gujarat or other places, but you cannot fool the people of Kerala.
BJP called it an insult to Gujarat
BJP reacted strongly to Kharge’s comment and accused him of insulting Gujaratis. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi said the remarks insulted millions of people and ignored the contribution made by the state to nation building, which includes leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He accused the Congress of repeatedly targeting Gujarat out of political frustration and warned that voters would not forget such comments.
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