Idukki (Kerala), April 5 Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge made a controversial statement during his campaign speech here on Sunday, calling the people of Gujarat "illiterate" and accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "fooling" them.
At the same time, Kharge said that neither Modi nor Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan can deceive the people of Kerala, as they are "very intelligent and educated".
"Do not mislead the people of Kerala. They are very intelligent and educated. Modi, Vijayan, you both can deceive people who are illiterate in Gujarat or other places, but you cannot deceive the people of Kerala," the Congress chief said.
He made the remark while alleging that both Modi and Vijayan are following the same path, and there is no difference between them except the parties they lead.
Kharge also alleged that Vijayan is being controlled by Modi.
Kerala will hold assembly elections on April 9 for 140 seats.