A political storm has erupted between Karnataka and Assam after Karnataka’s IT Minister Priyank Kharge questioned the talent pool of Assam and Gujarat while commenting on semiconductor industry investments. His remarks, perceived as dismissive toward the capabilities of youth from these states, triggered sharp criticism from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who called the comments insulting and derogatory.
The controversy began when Kharge, while addressing a public gathering on Sunday, questioned why semiconductor projects were being set up in Assam and Gujarat instead of Bengaluru — India’s established tech hub. “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?” he asked.
His statements quickly drew backlash, with critics accusing him of undermining the skills and potential of people from other Indian states. The remarks soon went viral on social media, sparking outrage among political leaders and citizens alike. Many viewed his comments as regional discrimination and an affront to the aspirations of young professionals outside southern India.
Reacting strongly, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a scathing attack on Kharge. “Priyank Kharge is a first-class idiot. He has insulted the Assamese youth and the Congress has not yet condemned him,” Sarma told reporters. He went on to say that the remarks reflected arrogance and ignorance about the growing talent ecosystem in Assam. “We might file a case against him because he has said that Assam doesn't have competent young people. This is an insult to the youth of Assam,” Sarma added.
Sarma also hinted at legal action, saying that the state government was examining whether a defamation case could be filed against the Karnataka Minister. “We are considering whether a case can be filed against him in court or not. Let me reiterate, he's a first-class idiot,” he said, doubling down on his criticism.
The incident has further intensified political tensions between the BJP-led Assam government and the Congress-ruled Karnataka administration. Congress leaders have so far refrained from issuing an official statement on the controversy, though some insiders have suggested that Kharge’s remarks were taken out of context and were aimed at highlighting the alleged centralisation of industrial investments by the Union government rather than insulting any state.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders have seized upon the controversy to accuse the Congress of being “elitist and dismissive” of states outside their strongholds. Political observers note that the dispute could have wider implications, particularly at a time when several states are competing for major semiconductor and electronics manufacturing projects as part of India’s “Make in India” and “Digital India” initiatives.
The semiconductor industry, seen as critical to India’s technological self-reliance, has become a key political talking point. With both Gujarat and Assam securing significant interest from global investors, Kharge’s comments have inadvertently stirred a debate on regional competition, talent distribution, and the politics of investment allocation across India.
The controversy underscores how industrial policy discussions are increasingly intersecting with political rivalries, with state governments vying not only for investments but also for recognition as emerging innovation hubs. Whether this dispute escalates further or dies down with a formal clarification from Kharge remains to be seen, but it has already ignited a broader conversation about how regional pride and national development intersect in India’s growing technology landscape.
