Congress president and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge has issued an apology to the people of Gujarat after a remark made during election campaigning in Kerala triggered a political controversy.
Speaking at a recent Congress campaign meeting in Idukki district, Kharge said that people without education in Gujarat or elsewhere could be misled, but that Kerala’s educated and “very intelligent” people could not be fooled. The comment quickly drew sharp reactions in national politics.
Several BJP leaders condemned the statement, alleging that it demeaned the people of Gujarat. As the issue escalated, Kharge posted a clarification on social media.
In his post, Kharge said some of his campaign remarks in Kerala were deliberately misrepresented, but added that he regretted the episode. He said he has always had deep love and respect for the people of Gujarat and never intended to hurt them.
