Karnataka minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan apologizes for racist remarks against HD Kumaraswamy

Mysore:

Karnataka minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan on Tuesday apologized for referring to Union minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy as “Kalia”, a move the NDA condemned as a “racist” slur.

However, the Congress leader repeatedly tried to clarify that he had addressed Mr Kumaraswamy in this manner out of affection earlier also when they had a good bonding and this was not the first time.

The Housing and Waqf Minister was previously in the JD(S), and was considered a close aide of Mr Kumaraswamy, who served as the Chief Minister at that time.

“…If I had called him using such a word for the first time, I would have apologised… Out of affection he used to call me 'Kulla' (dwarf), I used to call him Karianna.” black brother). Mr. Khan said.

Speaking to reporters here, he said, “Not from today, but from the very beginning I used to call him affectionately. He used to call me 'Kulanna' and I used to call him 'Karianna' (referring to his skin colour). Was.” ,

Asked whether his statements would impact the Assembly bypolls in Channapatna, Mr Khan said, “Why would it impact? This is not the first time I have made a call like this. When Kumaraswamy and I were close, he used to do this. ” Call me 'Kulla', I used to call him Kariyana…If JD(S) workers are hurt by this, I apologize.

JD(S) and BJP had demanded that the Congress government sack Khan from the cabinet for his “racist insults”.