Were Gandhi, Vallabhbhai Patel, Morarji Desai Illiterate?’”: “Gaurav questions Kharge; demands apology
JK News Today
JAMMU, April 7: BJP spokesperson and Convenor (International Affairs) Gaurav Gupta on Tuesday launched a fierce and hard-hitting attack on Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge over his alleged “illiterate people of Gujarat” remark, calling it “shameless, demeaning and utterly despicable.”
Issuing a statement, Gupta questioned whether Kharge had “completely abandoned the dignity and decorum” of the post he holds. He said that the Congress president’s statement was not merely political rhetoric but a direct insult to an entire state and its people.
“Was Mahatma Gandhi illiterate? Was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel illiterate? Was Morarji Desai illiterate?” Gupta asked, adding that Gujarat has been the birthplace of some of India’s greatest leaders and thinkers, including eminent scientist Vikram Sarabhai.
Launching a broader political offensive, Gupta said the Congress party had stooped to a new low by targeting an entire population. “To call a whole state ‘illiterate,’ that too by the president of a national party, reflects arrogance and a dangerous mindset aimed at dividing the country,” he said.
Gupta invoked the legacy of past Congress stalwarts, stating that the position of party president was once held by towering leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. “What is the person occupying that position saying today?” he asked, calling it a “complete erosion of values within the Congress.”
He also sought responses from senior Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, questioning whether they endorse Kharge’s remarks.
Highlighting development indicators, Gupta said Gujarat’s literacy rate stands at around 82% and has witnessed significant growth over the years, particularly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He added that literacy levels have improved across India, reflecting progress in education nationwide.
Taking a swipe at the Congress, Gupta said, “They speak of educated states like Kerala, yet make such sweeping and derogatory remarks about Gujarat. What message are they trying to send?”
He concluded by accusing the Congress of indulging in divisive politics. “This is not just an insult to Gujarat but to the entire nation. Such irresponsible statements expose the Congress party’s mindset and its disconnect from the people of India,” Gupta said.
