Bengaluru, Oct 28 (NationPress) In light of the controversy surrounding his remarks about the BJP allegedly redirecting investments intended for Karnataka to Gujarat and Assam due to pressure from the Centre, Karnataka's Minister for RDPR, IT and BT, Priyank Kharge, has asserted that both the BJP and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma are misrepresenting his statements.

Using the social media platform X on Tuesday, Minister Kharge retaliated, labeling Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma a “third-rate crook,” after Sarma referred to Kharge as a “first-class idiot.” This exchange is expected to escalate the verbal clash between the two politicians.

Kharge clarified, “As usual, the BJP and CM Himanta Biswa Sarma are twisting my words. My statement is clear and very specific; it was about how semiconductor companies were being pressured to set up in Gujarat and Assam, even when they had expressed a clear interest in Karnataka because of our engineering talent and established ecosystem.”

He criticized, “After nearly a decade of BJP rule, Assam today ranks among the bottom five states in crucial development indicators like health, education, and economic growth, as per NITI Aayog’s latest report. The only thing Mr. Sarma has managed to grow is his own wealth. Every major scam or corruption case seems to trace back to his doorstep, while the youth of Assam are left without jobs or opportunities.”

“Instead of trying to whitewash his failures by giving my statements political spin, the Chief Minister should ask himself what he’s done for the young people of his state. Why are they leaving Assam to find work elsewhere?” Minister Kharge questioned.

“The BJP’s days in Assam are numbered. When Congress returns to power in Assam, our focus will be on skilling, employability, and rebuilding faith in governance. We will create an environment where talent thrives in every corner of the state and young people are free from the grip of corrupt governance and divisive politics of a third-rate crook,” Priyank Kharge stated.

Previously, Kharge mentioned in a news channel interview that investments meant for Karnataka were being diverted to Gujarat and Assam, both states under BJP governance, due to coercion from the Centre. He also suggested that there was a lack of talent in Assam for establishing major industries.

In response, CM Sarma remarked, “Priyank Kharge is a first-class idiot. He has insulted Assamese youth.” He also indicated that his government might consider legal action against Kharge.