Ahmedabad: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Gujarat has strongly criticized alleged remarks made by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge against Gujaratis, terming them an “attack on the self-respect of 6.5 crore people of the state.”
Addressing a press conference at the party office in Ahmedabad, Gujarat BJP Chief Spokesperson Dr. Anil Patel said that referring to Gujaratis as “illiterate and foolish” is not merely a statement but a direct insult to the dignity, pride, and identity of the people of Gujarat.
Questioning the mindset of the Congress, Dr. Patel asked whether the party harbors bias against Gujaratis and fails to recognize their hard work, intellect, and patriotism. He highlighted Gujarat’s legacy of producing national icons such as Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, and K.M. Munshi.
He further alleged that the Congress has historically been uncomfortable with Gujarat’s leadership and progress, especially under leaders like Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, who have strengthened India’s global standing.
Taking a sharp dig, Dr. Patel accused Kharge of echoing statements influenced by Rahul Gandhi and claimed that such remarks reflect “hatred” toward Gujarat. He also referred to past controversial statements, alleging a pattern in Congress leadership’s rhetoric.
The BJP spokesperson further criticized Congress for opposing key development initiatives in the past, including projects linked to infrastructure, industry, and irrigation in Gujarat. He asserted that the state’s growth in sectors like pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and gems and jewellery is a result of the hard work of its people.
Calling the remarks reflective of a “declining level of political discourse,” Dr. Patel said the people of Gujarat would respond democratically through the electoral process. He expressed confidence that voters would reject what he termed the “arrogance” of the Congress in upcoming elections.
The statement was issued by Gujarat BJP’s media department, intensifying the political war of words between the ruling party and the opposition ahead of key electoral developments.
