Kumaraswamy says ‘Kaliya’ slur reflects culture of state government

Former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has hit back at Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan over his “kaliya Kumaraswamy” remark, calling it a reflection of the state government’s culture.
Kumaraswamy stated that he would wait until November 23, when the counting of votes for the Channapatna bypoll concludes, where his son, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, is contesting the election on a JD(S) ticket backed by the NDA.
Karnataka Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan was under fire for calling Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy “kaliya Kumaraswamy” during an election campaign in Channapatna, sparking backlash from multiple quarters.
The remark, seen as a racial slur, drew criticism from JD(S) leaders and political opponents, who demanded his public apology and resignation. Facing backlash from JD(S) and political leaders, Khan apologised, stating, “We have been close friends, and it was said in jest. If my words have hurt anyone, I deeply regret it.” He added that Kumaraswamy had often addressed him as “kulla” (shorty), and his comment was not meant to offend.
Despite the apology, speculation of political understanding surfaced. Mandya’s Nagamangala Youth Congress alleged on social media that Khan had an internal understanding with Kumaraswamy to secure Nikhil’s victory, as he claimed they were friends.
Congress MLA Ramesh Bandisiddegowda echoed these suspicions, stating, “Kumaraswamy might have influenced Zameer to make that statement.”
The incident drew national attention, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju calling the remark “racist.”