Union Minister and JD(S) chief HD Kumaraswamy, denied allegations of calling Karnataka Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan “Kulla”.
HD Kumaraswamy (L), Zameer Ahmed Khan (R)
Talking to the media on Friday, Kumaraswamy expressed his dismay over the controversy. He said that Zameer had by no means referred to him as “Kariya” in the past, Deccan Herald reported.
According to DH, Kumaraswamy said, “I have never referred to Zameer Ahmed Khan as ‘Kulla’ in my life, nor has he ever addressed me as ‘Kariya.’ He has always spoken with great respect”.
He also swore before Goddess Chamundeshwari that Zameer’s accusation is false, the report added.
Reflecting on their relationship, Kumaraswamy noted that his association with Zameer Ahmed was limited to politics. Recalling an incident, he said, “When Speaker Basavaraja Horatti called me Kumara, Zameer stood up to confront him. This shows the respect he had for me earlier.”
Recently, Zameer Ahmed Khan sparked controversy by referring to D Kumaraswamy as “Kaaliya,” a derogatory term about his dark complexion
Addressing an election rally in Ramanagara, Khan explained that Congress candidate C P Yogeeshwara had previously joined the BJP due to limited options, stemming from differences within the Congress. Khan said, “He (Yogeeshwara) wasn’t keen to affix the JD(S) as a result of ‘Kariya Kumaraswamy’ was seen as extra harmful than the BJP. Now he has returned to Congress.”
(Also Read: Karnataka minister’s ‘affection’ clarification on calling HD Kumaraswamy ‘Kaalia’)
Apology
After backlash, Khan on Tuesday apologised for calling Kumaraswamy as “Kaalia”. Khan tried to clarify that on previous occasions he addressed Kumaraswamy in such a way out of affection, when the duo shared a good bonding.
“If I had referred to as him utilizing such a phrase for the primary time, I might have apologised….out of affection, he used to name me ‘Kulla’ (dwarf), I used to name him Kariyanna (black brother). If nonetheless he or anybody is pained by it, I apologise. What’s there in that?” PTI quoted Khan.