English
English
English
Kharge expresses regret over 'illiterate' remark (Image: Internet)
New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday expressed regret following a controversy over his remarks at a rally in Kerala, which drew sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
In a statement posted on social media, Kharge said his comments had been “deliberately misinterpreted” but acknowledged the concerns raised. He emphasised that he had no intention of hurting the sentiments of people from Gujarat and reiterated his respect for them.
The row stems from a speech delivered in Kerala’s Idukki district, where Kharge reportedly contrasted the political awareness of voters in the state with those in other regions. The BJP alleged that he referred to Gujaratis as “illiterate,” triggering outrage and calls for an apology.
Some remarks of mine in a recent election speech in Kerala are being deliberately misinterpreted. Even so, I express my sincere regret. It was never my intention to hurt the sentiments of the people of Gujarat for whom I have always had and will continue to have the highest of…
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) April 8, 2026
The remarks quickly became a flashpoint in the ongoing political discourse, with BJP leaders accusing the Congress president of making derogatory statements.
Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad criticised Kharge’s comments and demanded a clear response from top Congress figures, including Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Prasad questioned whether the Congress leadership endorsed Kharge’s statement and urged them to publicly distance themselves from the remarks. He also criticised the tone of the comments, calling them inappropriate for someone holding the position of party president.
The controversy deepened after Kharge’s separate comments targeting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP at another rally in Assam also drew backlash.
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy meets LoP Rahul Gandhi, Kharge in Delhi; Full story here
In that speech, Kharge used a metaphor comparing political opponents to a “poisonous snake,” which BJP leaders condemned as offensive and an attempt to malign their organisations.
The twin controversies have intensified political tensions, with the BJP stepping up its attack on the Congress leadership. While Kharge has expressed regret and clarified his intent, the issue continues to dominate the political narrative.
The episode highlights the sensitivity of political rhetoric during election season, where remarks made at public rallies often come under intense scrutiny.
