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Guwahati, Oct 27 (IANS) A major political storm has erupted in Assam after Karnataka Rural Development Minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge’s controversial remarks questioning the potential and talent of Assam’s youth in the context of India’s growing semiconductor industry.
Kharge’s comments have sparked widespread outrage across the state, drawing strong condemnation from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
The Chief Minister launched a scathing attack on Kharge, calling the statement an “insult to the dignity and hard work of the youth of Assam”.
CM Sarma told reporters here, “Priyank Kharge has exposed himself as a first-class idiot. His comments reflect a deeply prejudiced mindset that looks down on the youth of Assam. By questioning their education and capability, he has insulted every young professional of our state. Congress has not condemned his words, which clearly shows how they view the Northeast. We condemn their divisiveness.” And are exploring legal options against him for his derogatory remarks.”
Assam BJP also hit back strongly through a scathing post on social media, ridiculing Kharge’s “arrogant statement”.
The party said, “If ‘talent’ means licking the boss and snatching biscuits for Rahul Gandhi’s pet, then thank God the people of Assam are talentless. Mr. Junior Kharge, apart from being born the son of Senior Kharge, do you have any real skills? This father-son franchise has made a habit of insulting Assam.”
Accusing the state Congress unit of maintaining silence, the BJP said, “Once again, their local brigade including their Paijaans will seal their lips with Fevicol.”
Notably, while speaking to the media on the central government’s semiconductor investment plans, Kharge expressed his displeasure over approving projects for Gujarat and Assam instead of Karnataka.
“Why are semiconductor industries moving to Gujarat and Assam when they should be in Bengaluru? Investments meant for Karnataka are being diverted. What is there in these two states? Is there any talent in Assam and Gujarat?” he reportedly said.
The comment – seen by many as insulting and elitist – has been widely criticized across Assam’s political spectrum and civil society, with several organizations demanding a public apology from the Congress leader, describing it as an “insult to the people of the Northeast”.
The controversy continues to escalate, with student unions, civil society groups and professionals condemning Kharge’s comments as “elitist” and “regionally biased” and demanding an unconditional apology to the people of Assam.
–IANS
TDR/DPB