Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Monday that his government is exploring legal action against Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge for his alleged remarks questioning the talent and capability of people from Assam to set up large industries such as semiconductor units.

Sarma condemned Kharge’s reported statement that investments meant for Karnataka were being diverted to Gujarat and Assam under pressure from the Centre, calling it “an insult to Assamese youth.”

“Priyank Kharge is a first-class idiot. He has insulted Assamese youth, and the Congress party has not yet condemned his remarks,” Sarma said.

He further added, “We are considering whether a case can be filed against him because he has said that Assam does not have educated, competent youth. That is an insult to Assamese youth.”