Congress Leader's 'Infiltrator' Comment on Gujaratis Sparks Controversy
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Key Takeaways
New Delhi, April 10 (NationPress) Just as the controversy surrounding Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks calling Gujaratis 'illiterates' began to fade, another party figure has fanned the flames by labeling them as 'ghuspaithiyas' (infiltrators). This latest insult directed at North Indians, particularly those from Gujarat, was made by Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar, who urged voters to remove them from the upcoming elections in Assam.
A 14-second video clip, disseminated by the popular X handle 'Political Kida', lacks a date and specific location for the public rally but is rapidly gaining traction online. It features Kanhaiya disparaging Gujaratis at what appears to be a political event ahead of the Assam elections.
In his address, Kanhaiya stated, “When reporters inquired about the infiltrator situation in the Assembly elections, I remarked that the largest infiltrator originates from Gujarat. It’s crucial for the public to expel him from the state alongside Himanta Biswa Sarma.”
While Kanhaiya did not specify any individuals, his comments, seemingly directed at BJP leaders from Gujarat, have triggered significant backlash and criticism from netizens.
Some social media users expressed that the Congress party has a knack for undermining itself, stating that, instead of addressing actual infiltrators, they are labeling their fellow citizens as such. One user remarked that this approach could leave the party without any enemies.
It is important to note that the issue of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants has been a hot topic in the Assam election campaign, with both the Chief Minister and the BJP emphasizing the demographic threats posed by these infiltrators.
The uproar surrounding the derogatory remarks about Gujaratis follows closely on the heels of Kharge’s earlier controversial statement, where he referred to residents of Gujarat as 'illiterates' who could easily be deceived.
This sparked outrage within BJP circles, prompting many to call for not just a retraction but an apology from Kharge.
In response, Kharge later issued an apology, likely concerned about potential repercussions in the Assembly elections, stating that his comments were 'intentionally misinterpreted.'