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The political landscape of Karnataka has been shaken by a recent incident involving a racist remark made by a state cabinet minister against a prominent political leader. The controversy erupted after B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan, a minister in the Karnataka government, allegedly made derogatory comments about the skin color of H.D. Kumaraswamy, the state president of the Janata Dal (Secular) party and a former Union Minister. Khan's remarks, delivered during a poll rally in Channapatna, have been widely condemned as racist and insensitive, igniting a firestorm of criticism and demands for action.
Khan's statement, in which he referred to Kumaraswamy as "Kaalia Kumaraswamy," drew immediate backlash from the JD(S) party. In a strong statement, the party demanded that the Home Minister, Dr. G Parameshwara, and the Ramanagara District Police take swift and appropriate legal action against Khan for his racist abuse, his attempt to instigate racial tensions, and his efforts to disrupt the peace of society. The JD(S) also called for the resignation of Zameer Ahmed Khan from his ministerial position, arguing that his actions are incompatible with the principles of the Congress party, which he represents. The party's statement highlighted the need for accountability and swift action to address the issue of racism and to uphold the dignity and respect of all citizens.
The controversy has also drawn attention from other political figures, with Union Minister and BJP leader Kiren Rijiju adding his voice to the chorus of condemnation. Rijiju, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), strongly denounced Khan's statement as racist and pointed to a pattern of such offensive remarks within the Congress party. He cited the example of Rahul Gandhi's advisor, who had previously made derogatory comments about South Indians, people from the North East, and North Indians, further highlighting the alleged prevalence of racist attitudes within the party. Rijiju's statement underlined the gravity of the situation and emphasized the need for the Congress party to address these issues within its ranks.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the prevalence of racism in Indian politics and the need for greater awareness and sensitivity towards social inclusivity. The JD(S) party's strong response, coupled with the condemnation from other political leaders, underscores the seriousness of the issue and the potential for it to escalate into a major political controversy. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen what steps the Congress party will take to address the allegations of racism within its ranks and whether Zameer Ahmed Khan will face any consequences for his offensive remarks.
Source: Karnataka Minister's 'skin colour' remark on HD Kumaraswamy triggers outrage