Ahmedabad, April 6 Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's remark about the "illiterate people of Gujarat" drew strong condemnation from BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who accused the opposition party of harboring anti-Gujarat sentiments and demanded an apology.
Kharge's comments during campaigning in Kerala on Sunday, stating that the people of the southern state are "educated and clever" and cannot be misled, unlike those in Gujarat and other places, sparked controversy.
"Don't misguide the people of Kerala. They are very intelligent and educated. Modi and Vijayan can fool people who are illiterate in Gujarat or elsewhere, but you cannot fool the people of Kerala," Kharge had said, prompting a sharp response from the BJP.
Addressing a press conference in Gandhinagar, Chief Minister Patel said Kharge had not only insulted the people of Gujarat but also disrespected the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
"These remarks are extremely objectionable and unfortunate. Kharge has not only insulted the 6.5 crore Gujaratis, but has also disrespected the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. These remarks are offensive to the people of the state and also to their dignity," Patel added.
He alleged that Kharge's remarks reflected the insecurity felt by the Congress due to growing public support for the BJP under Prime Minister Modi.
"Kharge's shameful statement clearly indicates that the Congress feels insecure due to the widespread public support for the development policies of the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Patel said.
The Chief Minister accused the Congress of fostering an "anti-Gujarat" mindset.
"This is an old mindset of the Congress against Gujarat and Gujaratis; it is not new. The Congress also neglected Sardar Saheb (Vallabhbhai Patel) by not awarding him the Bharat Ratna," he said, adding that the grand old party had also created obstacles during the construction of the Statue of Unity.
He alleged that the Congress had committed the sin of halting the work on the Sardar Sarovar Dam.
Patel stated that previous Congress governments had harmed farmers and industries in Gujarat, including the ban on cotton exports and tax notices to investors who wanted to establish industries.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for accelerating the development of Gujarat, which has emerged as a key contributor to the country's economy.
"Today, Gujarat contributes more than 8 per cent to the country's GDP and handles 40 per cent of the country's cargo. The state has significant contributions in industrial production, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy sectors," Patel said.
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said Kharge's remarks had hurt the sentiments of 6.5 crore Gujaratis.
"There can be ideological differences in politics, but insulting all citizens of a state and questioning their intellectual capabilities is not only indecent, but also exposes the completely sick mindset of the Congress," Sanghavi added.
He alleged that such remarks reflected "poison" in the DNA of the Congress towards Gujarat.
"If you pay a little attention to the history of the statements made by Congressmen, you will understand what kind of poison is filled in the DNA of these people, especially towards Gujarat and Gujaratis," Sanghavi said.
He claimed that the Congress repeatedly targeted Gujarat during elections due to its inability to win elections in the state.
"The party that cannot win in Gujarat continues to criticize Gujarat. This is not leadership; this is the frustration from defeat," Sanghavi said.
He also questioned whether Kharge's remarks were personal or influenced by other Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi.
"Is this statement entirely yours? Or, has Rahul Gandhi written this statement for you? Or has it been written by those Congress leaders in Gujarat who are facing defeat in the upcoming elections in Gujarat?" Sanghavi asked.
He said the people of Gujarat would not forgive the Congress and demanded an apology from Congress.
"The people of Gujarat will hold the Congress completely accountable. I hope that these Congress leaders come out of their office and apologise to the people of Gujarat," Sanghavi added.
Gujarat BJP President Jagdish Vishwakarma demanded a public apology from Kharge and the Congress leadership.
"I want to ask Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and the Congress members: why is there so much poison towards Gujarat? Why are Gujaratis repeatedly made targets?” he questioned.
Referring to the controversial remarks, he alleged that Kharge seems to have "lost his senses".
"I appeal to Kharge, all Congressmen, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to come to Gujarat, then you will find out. This time, the people you called illiterate will surely give you a befitting reply," Vishwakarma added.
He said if Kharge and the Congress fail to apologise, the people of Gujarat would respond strongly.
"Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge must apologise. Not just to the 6.5 crore Gujaratis, but to all Gujaratis residing in the country and abroad," he added.