Himanta Biswa Sarma slams Priyank Kharge for remark on Assam, calls him ‘first-class idiot’

Himanta Biswa Sarma: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched a scathing attack on Karnataka’s IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge over his controversial remarks questioning why semiconductor industries are moving to Assam and Gujarat instead of Karnataka.

Sarma, reacting sharply, called Kharge a “first-class idiot” and accused him of insulting the educated and hardworking youth of Assam. He said Kharge’s comments were “highly disrespectful, arrogant, and an insult to Assam’s talent and potential.”

“Such statements reflect a colonial mindset that demeans the people of the Northeast. Assam’s youth are skilled, capable, and contributing to India’s technological growth. We may even consider filing a case against him for insulting the people of Assam,” Sarma told reporters.

The controversy began after Priyank Kharge, son of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, questioned the Union government’s decision to encourage semiconductor investments in Assam and Gujarat. He had said, “Why are semiconductor companies going to Assam and Gujarat? What do they have? Are there any skilled people there?”

His remarks were intended to accuse the Centre of diverting major projects away from Karnataka for political reasons, but the comments have sparked outrage in Assam and beyond.

Assam BJP leaders and several social media users demanded an apology from Kharge, accusing him of showing “regional arrogance.” Political analysts believe the issue could strain relations between Congress-led Karnataka and BJP-ruled Assam.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka Congress has maintained silence, though party insiders admit that Kharge’s choice of words has backfired politically. Sources close to Kharge say he may issue a clarification soon, stating that his criticism was aimed at the Centre’s investment policies, not at Assam’s youth or workforce.