New Delhi, April 7 – A political row erupted on Tuesday following sharp exchanges between senior leaders of the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). K.C. Venugopal demanded an apology from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his remarks targeting Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
Speaking on the social media platform X, Venugopal, the General Secretary (Organisation) of the Congress, criticised Chief Minister Sarma for what he termed as "insulting remarks" directed at Kharge.
He stated that the Chief Minister's comments were "deeply problematic" and reflected frustration.
"Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma asking 'Who is Kharge?' and using derogatory language like 'pagal' (madman) is deeply problematic and shows how frustrated he is," Venugopal wrote.
He also demanded an unconditional apology from the Chief Minister, stating that Kharge is "one of the most prominent leaders in our country who comes from humble backgrounds".
Venugopal also alleged that Chief Minister Sarma's remarks were an attempt to divert attention from corruption allegations against him.
"We all know how rattled he (Chief Minister Sarma) is due to the serious corruption allegations against him, and how he resorts to the most pathetic language to spread hatred. We, the Congress, reject this mindset," he added.
The controversy stems from remarks made earlier on Tuesday by Chief Minister Sarma while addressing reporters in Jorhat, Assam.
The Chief Minister launched a scathing attack on Kharge, questioning his statements and using strong language.
"Kharge is ageing and is speaking like a 'pagal' (madman). You first insult the people and then say you will ask the External Affairs Minister for verification?" Chief Minister Sarma said.
He also made remarks such as "Who is Kharge?" and questioned the Congress leadership over recent allegations involving party spokesperson Pawan Khera.
Chief Minister Sarma warned that "Assam Police will find Khera from 'paatal' (hell)" over the claims made against his wife possessing three passports, indicating possible legal action.
The Chief Minister also alleged that the controversy could extend to senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, claiming that documents cited by Khera might have been provided by him.
"I suspect Rahul Gandhi has given him these documents. So this case will extend to Rahul Gandhi. Do not try to scare us. This is Assam, and we have fought against Islamic invasion 17 times," Sarma said.
The exchange has intensified the ongoing political confrontation between the BJP and the Congress, particularly in the run-up to the upcoming Assembly polls to be held on April 9.
The Congress has condemned Chief Minister Sarma's remarks as "derogatory" and "unacceptable".