Idukki (Kerala), April 5 Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge made a controversial statement during his campaign for the assembly elections here on Sunday, calling the people of Gujarat "illiterate" and claiming they were being "deceived" by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
At the same time, Kharge said that neither Modi nor Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan could deceive the people of Kerala, describing them as "very clever and educated".
"Don't mislead the people of Kerala. They are very clever 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 were following the same path, with no difference between them except the parties they lead.
"The LDF and BJP are moving forward together and attacking the Congress. Modi in Delhi and Vijayan in Kerala have the same style of functioning. They want to keep power centralised in their own hands," Kharge said.
"In fact, I have heard people say that Pinarayi Vijayan is Kerala's Modi and that BJP and LDF have secretly plotted to keep Congress away from power," he claimed.
Kharge also alleged that Vijayan was being controlled by Modi. "He (Vijayan) is not an independent man now," he contended.
He further alleged that the BJP was the most communal party and that it, along with the RSS, would destroy the country.
"I condemn their attitude, I condemn their ideology," he said.
Kharge also called Modi a "liar" and urged people not to believe him, claiming the PM failed to deliver on his promise of providing two crore jobs every year after coming to power.
"Don't listen to Modi. He is a liar. He promised two crore jobs every year when he came to power. He has been in power for 12 years. Has he provided the jobs?" he asked.
He also took a dig at Modi, referring to the PM’s frequent claim that he is the only one capable of running the country because of his "56-inch chest".
"What is the importance of your chest? Go and tell the tailor, he will properly stitch a jacket for you," Kharge added.
He alleged that the BJP and RSS were destroying the country, its future generations, and its unity.
"Its leader Modi will harm the people, he will destroy, and our people will suffer. People are already struggling due to a lack of LPG, inflation, and unemployment," he added.
Elections for 140 seats in Kerala will be held on April 9.