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New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday expressed regret following a controversy over his remarks at a rally in Kerala, which drew sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

In a statement posted on social media, Kharge said his comments had been “deliberately misinterpreted” but acknowledged the concerns raised. He emphasized that he had no intention of hurting the sentiments of people from Gujarat and reiterated his respect for them.

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Controversy Over Kerala Rally Remarks

The row stems from a speech delivered in Kerala’s Idukki district, where Kharge reportedly contrasted the political awareness of voters in the state with those in other regions. The BJP alleged that he referred to Gujaratis as “illiterate,” triggering outrage and calls for an apology.

The remarks quickly became a flashpoint in the ongoing political discourse, with BJP leaders accusing the Congress president of making derogatory statements.

BJP Demands Apology, Targets Congress Leadership

Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad criticized Kharge’s comments and demanded a clear response from top Congress figures, including Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi,and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Prasad questioned whether the Congress leadership endorsed Kharge’s statement and urged them to publicly distance themselves from the remarks. He also criticized the tone of the comments, calling them inappropriate for someone holding the position of party president.

Additional Remarks Draw Further Criticism

The controversy deepened after Kharge’s separate comments targeting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP at another rally in Assam also drew backlash.

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In that speech, Kharge used a metaphor comparing political opponents to a “poisonous snake,” which BJP leaders condemned as offensive and an attempt to malign their organizations.

Congress Faces Renewed Political Pressure

The twin controversies have intensified political tensions, with the BJP stepping up its attack on the Congress leadership. While Kharge has expressed regret and clarified his intent, the issue continues to dominate the political narrative.

The episode highlights the sensitivity of political rhetoric during election season, where remarks made at public rallies often come under intense scrutiny.