Assam CM Expresses Outrage Over Congress Leader’s Remarks on State’s Youth and Semiconductor Industry

Following controversial remarks by Karnataka Rural Development Minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge, questioning the talent and capabilities of Assam’s youth in the context of semiconductor industry investments, the Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Assam unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemned the statement.

While discussing the allocation of semiconductor projects by the Union Government, Kharge reportedly questioned why such investments were directed to Gujarat and Assam instead of Karnataka. “Why are semiconductor industries being set up in Gujarat and Assam when Bengaluru is the ideal location? Are these states equipped with the necessary talent?” he told the media. The statement has been widely criticised as derogatory and dismissive of Assam’s potential and its people.

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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma sharply rebuked Kharge, labelling his comments an affront to the state’s youth. “By questioning the education and competence of Assam’s young people, Priyank Kharge has revealed his ignorance and insulted the entire state. His remarks reflect the Congress party’s dismissive attitude toward the Northeast. We are considering legal action against him for this divisive and derogatory statement,” Sarma told reporters, noting the Congress party’s failure to disavow Kharge’s comments.

The Assam BJP unit issued a rebuttal on social media, mocking Kharge’s credentials and defending the state’s pride. “If ‘talent’ means sycophancy and currying favour, then Assam is proudly ‘talentless.’ What skills does Priyank Kharge have beyond being his father’s son? This father-son duo has a history of belittling Assam,” the BJP posted. The party also criticised the Assam Congress for its silence, accusing its leaders of remaining “mute” on the issue.

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Kharge’s remarks have sparked widespread anger among Assam’s civil society, student groups, and professionals, who have taken to social media to condemn his “condescending” and “regionally biased” attitude. Many have called for a public apology, accusing Kharge of undermining the dignity of Assam’s youth.

The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has, however, remained silent, offering no official response to the controversy or Kharge’s remarks, further fueling criticism from opponents.