Karnataka minister Zameer Ahmed’s ‘Kaliya’ remark on HD Kumaraswamy sparks outrage; JDS, BJP demand action

BENGALURU: Karnataka minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan stirred a controversy with an alleged racial slur against former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, calling him “Kaliya”.

Speaking at a campaign rally on Sunday, Khan stated, “Kaliya Kumaraswamy is more dangerous than the BJP,” a comment that drew severe backlash from Khan's political opponents.

The Janata Dal (Secular) [JDS] launched a scathing response, calling for Khan’s dismissal from his ministerial role. Posting on X, the JDS questioned whether Congress would use similar language for other prominent party leaders.

“What is the colour of Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, who is a Kannadiga? What is the colour of Priyank Kharge? What is the colour of D K Suresh?” the JDS posted.

“What difference does it make if a person’s skin is black or white? Such a low-minded person like @BZZameerAhmedK should be immediately removed from the @INCIndia, @INCKarnataka, and @siddaramaiah cabinet.”

The party’s post continued, “The people of the state will give a fitting response to your words of disrespect and your negative mindset towards people of darker skin colour.”

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also condemned Khan’s remark, with party national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accusing Congress of fostering divisions.

“Congress minister Zameer Ahmad calls HD Kumaraswamy as ‘Kaliya’. This is nafrat ki dukan. First Congress divided on caste, and now on race, like Sam Pitroda did. Sam was given a promotion by Rahul for calling South Indians Africans, and now Rahul will promote Zameer too,” Poonawalla said.