Janata Dal (S) on Tuesday demanded public apology and resignation of Minister for Waqf and Tourism Zameer Ahmad Khan over his racist remarks against Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy.
Zameer Ahmad Khan, the Tourism and Waqf minister of Karnataka stirred a major controversy on Monday as he addressed the Union Minister as 'Kaala Kumaraswamy'.
Taking to social media, JD (S) said, "Mr Zameer Ahmad, HD Kumaraswamy did not rise as a people's leader through caste, creed, or colour. His recognition as an influential politician is due to his leadership qualities, contributions to societal and community development, pro-people initiatives, good governance, and vision for economic development.".
Remember there's no room for such divisive policies here. The people have been insulted by the statements being given by you on ethnic, racist and discriminatory lines. You should apologise to the people of the state and resign," it demanded in the post.
The statement was made by Zameer while campaigning for the election in the much-hyped Channapatna assembly constituency. The references were made during his speech in the Urdu language while appealing to the voters to elect the Congress candidate CP Yogeshwara.
"Yogeshwara had started his political career from our party, (Congress). But due to differences, he joined the BJP. He was also considering joining the JD (S) party at that time. However, feeling that 'Kaala Kumaraswamy' is more dangerous than BJP, he did not join the JD (S) party," said Zameer.
Responding, he criticized the Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, saying that while election season is there, he is looking after and wooing the Muslim community but on other occasions, he betrays them.
"You had said earlier that hijab is not needed and now you want the votes of Muslims? It seems Kumaraswamy, after joining hands with the BJP, will purchase the votes of Muslims. Mr. Kumaraswamy quote your price, people of the Muslim community will each put in a single paisa and purchase your whole family," he stated.
Union minister Parliamentary Affairs and Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju reacted strongly to the racist jibe and said, "I strongly condemn Congress Minister Zameer Ahmed addressing Union Minister and former CM of Karnataka Kumaraswamy as 'Kaalia Kumaraswamy'.
This is a racist remark, same as Rahul Gandhi's adviser calling South Indians look like Africans, North East as Chinese, North Indians as Arabs," he further said.
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