Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. File
| Photo Credit: ANI

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday expressed regret over his controversial remark describing people of Gujarat as “illiterate”, saying it was never his intention to hurt their sentiments and that he holds the people of the State in the “highest respect”.

In a post on X, Mr. Kharge said some comments he made during a recent election speech in Kerala were being “deliberately misinterpreted”. “Some remarks of mine in a recent election speech in Kerala are being deliberately misinterpreted. Even so, I express my sincere regret,” he said, adding that he has always had, and will continue to have, the highest regard for the people of Gujarat.

Published – April 08, 2026 02:58 pm IST