Kharge's 'Illiterate Gujaratis' Remark Ignites BJP Fury

Congress chief's Kerala rally comment draws sharp backlash; BJP demands apology for insulting 6 crore Gujaratis

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge sparked a massive political row on Sunday with remarks labelling Gujaratis as "illiterate" during a rally in Kerala. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused him of insulting 6.5 crore people of the state and demanded an immediate apology. Sources indicated the comments came amid assembly election campaigning in Idukki, intensifying Gujarat's political heat.

Rally Sparks Outrage

Kharge addressed a crowd in Idukki on April 5, targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He reportedly said Modiji and Vijayan could fool "illiterate people in Gujarat," but not Kerala's "smart and educated" voters. The statement, captured in videos shared widely, drew instant backlash.

BJP's Swift Retort

Gujarat BJP co-spokesperson and MP Dhaval Patel released a video condemning the remark as a "grave insult." He linked it to Congress's past slights, from Nehru sidelining Sardar Patel to Rahul Gandhi's alleged "scammer" jibe. "Congress thinks Gujaratis vote BJP because they are illiterate," Patel said.

CM Slams Insult

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel called the comments "objectionable and unfortunate." He stressed Gujarat's role in nation-building under leaders like Gandhi and Sardar Patel. "The aware public will reply firmly," Patel added, urging Kerala voters to reject such mindset.

State BJP president Jagdish Vishwakarma echoed the fury. He highlighted Gujaratis' entrepreneurial spirit and accused Congress of repeated disdain. "This attacks our state's pride," Vishwakarma stated.

Historical Context Emerges

The row revives old Congress-BJP tensions. Patel recalled Indira Gandhi ousting Morarji Desai and other instances of perceived slights. As per reports, Congress's national leadership has often clashed with Gujarat's BJP stronghold, especially during elections.

Apology Demand Grows

BJP leaders pressed for Kharge's public apology. Patel questioned Gujarat Congress figures like Amit Chavda and Tushar Chaudhary on their silence. "Do they stand with Gujaratis or Delhi's leadership?" he asked. Party workers began social media campaigns amplifying the video.

Gujarat's Strong Response

Local leaders rallied against the remark. Sources in Valsad, where BJP's Chetan Mehta first flagged it, said it has energised cadres. Gujarat's high literacy rate—over 78% as per recent census—directly counters Kharge's claim, fuelling public anger.

Election Battle Heats Up

The controversy erupts ahead of key polls. In Kerala, it hands BJP ammunition against Congress-LDF ties. Gujarat BJP sees it as a rallying cry, linking to national narratives on development versus dynasty.

Public Reactions Pour In

Social media buzzed with ApologizeToGujaratis trending. Gujarati diaspora groups voiced dismay, calling it divisive. Congress sources downplayed it as "misquoted," but no formal clarification emerged yet.

Policy Shadows Loom

Analysts note such barbs risk alienating voters in poll-bound states. BJP plans to raise it in Parliament, per party insiders. It underscores deepening national divides over regional pride.

What's Ahead

BJP vows sustained pressure until apology. Congress may counter with fact-checks or leadership huddle. As Kerala polls near, this Kharge illiterate Gujaratis remark could reshape alliances. Watch this space for India news updates.