Mallikarjun Kharge expresses “sincere regret” over Gujarat remark after political backlash

Mallikarjun Kharge has issued a public apology after his remarks referring to people in Gujarat as “illiterate” during an election rally triggered a political controversy. The Congress president said his statement was misinterpreted and expressed “sincere regret,” adding that he never intended to hurt the sentiments of the people of Gujarat.

The controversy stems from a speech delivered in Kerala’s Idukki district, where Kharge, while criticising political opponents, said that leaders could “fool those who are illiterate in Gujarat or other places” but not the educated electorate of Kerala. The comment quickly drew sharp reactions, particularly from leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party, who accused him of insulting an entire state.

In his clarification, Kharge maintained that his remarks were taken out of context but acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue. In a public statement, he reiterated his respect for the people of Gujarat and sought to defuse the backlash by expressing regret over the phrasing of his comments.

The BJP launched strong criticism following the statement, with several leaders calling it derogatory and politically divisive. Party representatives argued that the remark undermined the contributions of Gujarat and its people, escalating the political tensions ahead of elections in Kerala.

The episode has intensified the ongoing political discourse, with opposition parties and the BJP exchanging accusations over divisive rhetoric. The controversy comes at a crucial time, as campaigning continues in Kerala, where voting is scheduled imminently, placing Kharge’s remarks at the centre of the election narrative.