Congress President Kharge Apologizes for Controversial Remarks About Gujaratis

New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has apologized for the statement he made regarding the people of Gujarat. He stated, “I have always held—and will always hold—the utmost respect for the people of Gujarat. It was never my intention to hurt the sentiments of the people there.” While addressing an election rally in the Idukki district of Kerala on Sunday, Kharge had remarked that the people of the state are educated and sensible, and unlike the “illiterate” people of Gujarat, they cannot be misled. The BJP had strongly criticized him over this statement.

‘Does Rahul Agree with the Statement?’
BJP leader and former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad questioned whether Rahul Gandhi agrees with Kharge’s statement. He asserted that if Rahul Gandhi possesses even a shred of sense, he should distance himself from this remark, condemn it, and demand an apology.

Ravi Shankar Prasad further noted that the position Kharge currently holds has previously been occupied by leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Maulana Azad, Sonia Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, and even Rahul Gandhi. He asked, “What kind of language is being used by a person occupying such a high office?” He described Kharge’s remark as not only insulting but also shameless and highly condemnable.

Kharge’s Clarification
As the controversy escalated, Kharge offered his apology on Wednesday. He stated, “Certain remarks made during an election speech I delivered recently in Kerala are being deliberately misrepresented. Nevertheless, I express my regret and take full responsibility for the same. I have always held—and will always hold—the utmost respect for the people of Gujarat. It was never my intention to hurt the sentiments of the people there.”