New Delhi, Apr 08 : Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday sharply criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his remarks against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, describing the language as “utterly shameful and unacceptable.” She demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi clarify whether he supports the offensive statements.
The controversy erupted after Sarma referred to Kharge as “speaking like a mad man” following Kharge’s call for a central probe into allegations against the Assam CM.
Posting in Hindi on X, Gandhi highlighted Kharge’s stature as a senior leader representing Congress and marginalized communities, including Dalits. She said, “By insulting him, the BJP chief minister has insulted crores of people across the country.”
The Congress has called for an unconditional apology from Sarma, labeling the remarks as “deplorable” and indicative of an “anti-Dalit mindset.”
Party leader Rahul Gandhi also condemned Sarma’s comments, stating that the remarks insulted the SC/ST community and questioned the Prime Minister’s silence. He said, “If the prime minister witnesses an attack on the dignity of crores of Dalits and remains silent, he is not only avoiding responsibility but also endorsing the insult.”
Rahul Gandhi directly asked PM Modi, “Do you support Himanta Sarma’s use of such language? Your silence is not helplessness—it is consent.”