DK Shivakumar calls Karnataka Minister's remark against Kumaraswamy 'unacceptable'

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that the party leaders will address the matter and correct Minister Zameer Khan's behaviour.

In Short

• DK Shivakumar condemns Zameer Khan's racial remark against HD Kumaraswamy
• Zameer Ahmed Khan apologizes for his controversial "Kaliya" comment
• Shivakumar calls the remark inappropriate, promises internal corrective action

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar criticised state Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan on Saturday for making a racially insensitive remark about Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, calling the comment "unacceptable".

Speaking to reporters at his residence in Sadashivanagar, Shivakumar said, “Zameer’s use of the word ‘Kaliya’ to refer to Kumaraswamy is wrong. We will address the matter and correct his behaviour. However, any actions taken will not be discussed publicly.”

The remarks came after Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Vice President ARM Hussain requested action against Khan in a letter to party leaders.

Shivakumar, who also serves as KPCC president, said the exchange of insults between Khan and Kumaraswamy was a personal matter but stressed that such language was inappropriate.

“Zameer should not have used the word ‘Kaliya’ or commented on Kumaraswamy’s wealth. Whether it was a joke or a serious comment, it is still wrong. We have communicated this to him internally, and he has apologised,” Shivakumar added.

Responding to Kumaraswamy’s own inflammatory statement, where he referred to Khan as "sewage," Shivakumar said, “This is between them. The public has heard both sides and will form their own opinions.”

Khan issued an apology shortly after his comments sparked row.

The Congress leader said he was sorry if his statements on the Union Minister of Steel hurt anyone's feelings. “I regret if my words caused offense,” he said.

Khan defended his relationship with Kumaraswamy, saying they share a long-standing bond. “Everyone knows Kumaraswamy and I are close friends. This isn’t the first time I’ve called him ‘kala’ or ‘kaliya.’ It’s a term we’ve used affectionately for years,” he said, adding that their banter goes back to their early days in politics.