Hyderabad, April 6 -- BJP leader CR Kesavan on Monday strongly criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his recent remarks referring to people in Gujarat and other places as "illiterate," calling the statement "most condemnable" and an insult to the nation.

"Mallikarjun Kharge's atrocious remarks abusing the people of Gujarat and other places as illiterate is most condemnable. His statement is a scathing insult to Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel ji and other patriots. He has made a direct attack on the self-respect and dignity of every citizen of India," he told ANI.

Kesavan further accused the Congress of maintaining a "prejudiced mentality," saying, "We have seen what better can you expect from the Congress party, which has ...