A statement by Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge has ignited a political firestorm in Assam and Gujarat. Kharge on Sunday questioned why semiconductor industries are moving to Assam and Gujarat when they should be coming to Bengaluru. He asked, “What is there in Gujarat? What talent is there in Assam?” His statement not only sparked political turmoil but also stirred the sentiments of Assam’s youth.
Himanta Biswa Sarma’s sharp response
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reacted sharply to Kharge’s statement. He called the Congress leader a “first-class idiot” and said he had insulted the youth of Assam. Sarma said Kharge’s statement was an insult to the hardworking and talented youth of Assam. He warned that legal action could be taken against such derogatory statements.
Congress’s silence questioned
Himanta Sarma also said that the Congress party has not yet condemned Kharge’s statement. He questioned why the Congress party was silent on this statement if it truly stood with the youth of the country. Sarma said that the youth of Assam are making their mark in every corner of the country with their talent, and calling them “talentless” is shameful.
Political Debate on Industries
Priyank Kharge’s statement comes at a time when states are competing for investment in the semiconductor industry. Kharge alleges that the central government is deliberately shifting projects from Karnataka to states like Gujarat and Assam. BJP leaders, meanwhile, say this decision was taken in the interest of regional balance and equal employment opportunities.
Political Impact of the Statements
This controversy is no longer limited to a single statement but has escalated into a new political conflict between the Congress and the BJP. Anger is growing among the youth of Assam, while in Karnataka, the Congress is using it as an issue against the central government. This war of words between the two states is likely to intensify in the coming days as it has become a battle of “respect versus politics.”
