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Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday downplayed the controversy over minister Zameer Ahmed Khan’s “Kaliya” remark targeting Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy. Shivakumar pointed out that there is a friendship between Ahmed Khan and Kumaraswamy, implying that the comment was not intended seriously.
Also read: ‘Dispel rumours’: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar denies ‘reports’ of meeting Barack Obama, Kamala Harris
He also criticized the BJP for stoking the controversy and argued that the matter was being blown out of proportion for political purposes.
“Kumaraswamy and Zameer Ahmed are best friends. Has Kumaraswamy given any statement on this? BJP people are just trying to create controversy. They both are truly in love. For more than 20 years, they have been in love. They will say whatever they want for their love,” Shivakumar told reporters.
Also read: Karnataka minister Zameer Ahmed Khan’s racist remarks against HD Kumaraswamy sparks controversy; JD(S), BJP hit back
Meanwhile, Ahmed Khan apologized for his remarks against Kumaraswamy.
“If my statement has hurt anyone, I apologize. Earlier, when I was with him, he used to affectionately call me ‘Kulla’ (small) and I used to call him ‘Kala’. “If my statement has hurt anyone, I am ready to apologise,” Khan told reporters in Mysuru on Tuesday.
Khan said his comments would have no impact on the by-election results in the state. “This is not an issue on which I need to resign. My statement has been interpreted differently. My statement will have no impact on the elections,” he said.
On Monday, Janata Dal Secular strongly condemned the “racial remarks”.
JD(S) on its social media handles
In a social media post on Twitter, JD(S)’s official handle wrote, “Housing Minister @BZZameerAhmedK used racial slur during Channapatna bypoll campaign. Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy was slammed by Zameer Ahmed Khan as “Kala Kumaraswamy” (Black ) Kumaraswamy) has thereby racially insulted black people and indulged in racial discrimination, moreover, these words of racial hatred have come from the mouth of Zameer Ahmed, who has uplifted a community and is threatening people with disturbing peace. Establishing order in the society is an unforgivable crime.
The party also demanded state Home Minister G Parameshwara and Ramnagar district police to immediately take appropriate legal action against Minister Zameer Ahmed for “racial abuse, racism and trying to disturb peace in the society”.
The tweet read, “Secular Janata Dal Party demands that Home Minister @DrParmeshwar and @spramanagara Ramnagar District Police immediately take appropriate legal action against Minister Zameer Ahmed for racial abuse, casteism and trying to disturb peace in the society. “Mr @Kharge and @INCIndia National Congress President should first resign this racist conscience if he can maintain morality for the party.”
By-elections at Shiggaon, Sandur and Channapatna are scheduled to be held on November 13 and the results will be declared on November 23. These seats had become vacant after the resignation of the respective candidates.
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