Guwahati: A war of words has erupted between Congress leader and Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma after Kharge reportedly questioned the talent pool in Assam and Gujarat in connection with semiconductor industry investments.
In an interview with a news channel, Kharge reportedly claimed that investments intended for Karnataka were being diverted to Gujarat and Assam after being arm-twisted by the Central government.
“Why are semiconductor industries going to Assam and Gujarat when they actually want to come to Bengaluru? All the investments meant for Karnataka are being arm-twisted by the Central Government to go to Gujarat. What is there in Gujarat? Is there talent there? What is there in Assam? Is there talent there?” Priyank had reportedly said.
Hitting back strongly, Biswa termed Priyank’s statement as derogatory and an insult to the youth of Assam.
Taking potshots at the Karnataka minister, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma termed Priyank’s remarks as derogatory and an insult to the youth of Assam.
“Son of INC President, Priyank Kharge, has insulted Assam’s youth and Assam Cong doesn’t even have the courage to condemn him. He is a FIRST CLASS IDIOT(sic),” Sarma posted on ‘X’.
Sarma said the Assam government might register a case against Kharge for his alleged remarks.
He also criticized the opposition Congress for not condemning the “objectionable statement” by the Karnataka minister.
“Perhaps, we might file a case against him because he has said that Assam does not have educated, competent youth. That is an insult to Assamese youth. So, we are considering whether a case can be filed against him in the court of law,” Sarma added.
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“As usual, the BJP and CM Himanta Biswa Sarma are twisting my words. My statement is clear and very specific, it was about how semiconductor companies were being pressured to set up in Gujarat and Assam, even when they had expressed a clear interest in Karnataka because of our engineering talent and established ecosystem. After nearly a decade of BJP rule, Assam today ranks among the bottom five states in crucial development indicators…,” Priyank posted on ‘X’.
He further stated, ” Dear CM @himantabiswa, I hope you remember your remarks last year about the talent pool in Assam. By your own admission thousands of Assamese are being trained in Bengaluru. I’m glad Karnataka’s ecosystem is able to support the youth of Assam. A simple “thank you” would have sufficed instead of the political rabid comments.”
