Protests erupted outside the Congress national headquarters on Wednesday as people from Gujarat expressed outrage over remarks made by Mallikarjun Kharge, in which he allegedly described Gujaratis as “illiterate” during an Assembly election campaign in Kerala. The demonstration reflects growing dissatisfaction with derogatory political rhetoric targeting the state.

The controversy stems from Kharge’s April 5 speech, where he reportedly contrasted the people of Kerala with those of Gujarat, claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan could mislead “illiterate” populations in Gujarat, but not the “clever and educated” citizens of Kerala. The remarks immediately drew criticism for allegedly insulting the people of Gujarat and their contributions to the nation.

Several protesters gathered outside the Congress headquarters, voicing anger and demanding clarification. One participant told IANS that Kharge’s comments ignored Gujarat’s historical and contemporary significance, citing the role of Mahatma Gandhi in India’s independence and the state’s current contributions under leaders like Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Protesters suggested that such statements reflect political frustration rather than constructive discourse.

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Dhaval Patel strongly criticised Kharge’s statement, noting that six crore people of Gujarat were allegedly labelled illiterate, a remark he said had caused widespread anger. Patel also alleged that this was not the first instance of Congress leaders making derogatory comments about Gujaratis and attributed the rhetoric to the party’s political anxiety in the state.

The incident has sparked a broader discussion on political communication and decorum. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor expressed concern over the declining quality of political discourse, urging leaders to avoid language that demeans communities or lowers the standard of debate. The protests signal the sensitivity of regional identity and the potential repercussions of controversial statements in India’s polarized political environment.

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