‘Kaaliya Kumaraswamy’: Karnataka minister Zameer Ahmed Khan’s racist slur sparks row

New Delhi: Zameer Ahmed Khan, Karnataka’s minister for housing, wakf, and minority welfare, has sparked a major controversy after calling Union minister H D Kumaraswamy “Kaaliya” – a term seen as a slur related to Kumaraswamy’s dark complexion. The remarks, made at a campaign rally in Channapatna, was condemned by opposition BJP and JD(S), there were also calls for his dismissal.

Khan made the controversial comment while discussing Congress candidate C P Yogeshwara’s political journey, explaining that Yogeshwara had previously joined the BJP due to a lack of options, and noted that he did not want to join the JD(S) because Kumaraswamy, whom he referred to as “Kaaliya”, was seen as “more dangerous than the BJP”.

JD(S) terms Khan’s remarks ‘racist’

The JD(S) was swift to respond, demanding that the Congress government remove Khan from the Cabinet, labelling his remarks “racist”. The party noted that such language was unacceptable and asked Congress leaders, including Karnataka’s chief minister Siddaramaiah, to act. They questioned if similar comments would be made about Congress leaders of darker complexions, including senior leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge.

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Union minister Kiren Rijiju also condemned the comment, likening it to past controversial statements and emphasising that such remarks exacerbate racial divides. In a post on X, he said: I strongly deplore Congress Minister Zameer Ahmed calling Union Minister & Ex CM of Karnataka Sh. 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.”

Not the first time Khan commented on Kumaraswamy’s appearance

Khan’s speech included further claims that Kumaraswamy had declared he didn’t need Muslim votes, saying, “My politics is not dependent on Muslim votes… I don’t need Hijab or Pajaab.” Khan played audio of these alleged statements at the rally.

This is not the first time Khan has commented on Kumaraswamy’s appearance; three years ago, he drew criticism for remarks on the former chief minister’s skin colour in Bidar.