In a message on X, the Congress president noted, “Some of my comments in a recent election address in Kerala are being intentionally misinterpreted. Nevertheless, I want to convey my heartfelt regret.
“It was never my intention to offend the sentiments of the people of Gujarat, for whom I have always had and will always maintain the highest respect.” Kharge had ignited controversy during his Assembly campaign in Kerala by referring to Gujaratis as “illiterate” and suggesting they were being “fooled” by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
At the same time, Kharge asserted that neither Modi nor Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan could deceive the people of Kerala, whom he described as “very clever and educated.”
“Do not mislead the people of Kerala. They are quite intelligent and educated. Modiji, Vijayan, you may fool the illiterate in Gujarat or elsewhere, but you cannot deceive the people of Kerala,” the Congress chief stated.
He made this comment while alleging that both Modi and Vijayan were pursuing the same agenda, with no distinction between them other than the parties they represent.
The BJP on Tuesday demanded an apology from Kharge for his comments, labeling them as “shameless, demeaning, and utterly despicable.” During a press conference, senior BJP leader and former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad called on Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to clarify their stance on Kharge’s remarks.
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