Karnataka Congress minister Zameer Ahmed stirred controversy on Monday by referring to former Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy as “Kalia Kumaraswamy” in a racially charged remark. This statement drew sharp criticism from both the BJP and JD(S), with calls for Ahmed’s removal from the Congress and the state cabinet.

JD(S) and BJP React Strongly

The JD(S) condemned the remark, stating, “The people of the state will respond to your disrespectful mindset towards darker-skinned individuals.” They highlighted the racial undertone of Ahmed’s comment, questioning if skin color should determine respect. JD(S) leaders urged Congress to take swift action, demanding Ahmed’s immediate dismissal from both the party and the Karnataka cabinet.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also criticized the Congress, linking Ahmed’s comment to previous remarks made by Sam Pitroda, head of the Indian Overseas Congress. Poonawalla said, “First Congress divided people by caste, now by race. Congress leader Sam Pitroda compared South Indians to Africans and was promoted by Rahul Gandhi. Will Zameer Ahmed be rewarded next?”

The Sam Pitroda Controversy

This isn’t the first time Congress leaders have faced backlash over remarks on ethnicity. Earlier, Sam Pitroda ignited a political storm by suggesting Indians from different regions resemble various ethnic groups, saying people in the east resemble Chinese, those in the south Africans, and the west Arabs. Pitroda’s comments were widely criticized, prompting Congress to swiftly distance itself, labeling the remarks “unfortunate and unacceptable.”

Demands for Action and Apology

Zameer Ahmed, who serves as Karnataka’s Minister of Minority Affairs and is a five-term MLA, has been urged to publicly apologize. Activist Brinda Adige, speaking to the Republic Media Network, called for immediate disciplinary action and emphasized that such divisive remarks should have no place in political discourse.

Conclusion

Ahmed’s comment has reopened debates on racially insensitive remarks within Indian politics, placing pressure on Congress to address concerns about inclusivity and respect for diversity. As calls for his removal grow, it remains to be seen whether the Congress will take action against Ahmed or issue further statements clarifying its stance on the issue.