Kharge Apologizes for Gujarat Voter Remarks

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge issued a public apology on Wednesday for remarks he made during an election rally in Kerala that described people in Gujarat as illiterate and susceptible to being misled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The statement, delivered on April 5 in Idukki district while campaigning for assembly elections, contrasted Kerala's voters, whom he called clever and educated, with those in Gujarat and other places. Kharge's comments quickly drew widespread condemnation from Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, who viewed them as an insult to the state's residents and its historical contributions through figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

In his apology posted on X, Kharge stated, "Some remarks of mine in a recent election speech in Kerala are being deliberately misinterpreted. Even so, I express my sincere regret. It was never my intention to hurt the sentiments of the people of Gujarat for whom I have always had and will continue to have the highest of respect." The response came after days of pressure from BJP officials, including Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who called the original statement objectionable and damaging to...