I have called HDK Kariyanna with love since long: Minister Zameer Ahmed

Mangalore Today News Network

Mysuru, November 12, 2024: Minister Zameer Ahmed who kicked up a controversy for making alleged "racist remarks" against former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy has said that he had been the JD(S) leader as "Kariyanna with love for long time."

Ahmed also said that he would apologise if his comments have hurt the feelings of any JD(S) worker.

Speaking to media persons in Mysuru on Tuesday, Ahmed said, "H D Kumarswamy and I used to be very close earlier and spent 14 hours a day. I used to call him Kariyanna and he called me Kulla with love for a long time. I have not called him so for the first time. If that has hurt feelings of anyone including JD(S) workers I apologise."

He also clarified that he had not stated that he would buy H D Devegowda’s family, he said, "Does any one in Karnataka has capacity to buy H D Devegowda family. I only told that HDK is trying to buy Muslim votes in Channapatna. That will not work."

When asked about the demand for reservation in government contracts Zameer Ahmed said, "There are no such discussions. CM’s office has issued clarification in this regard."

CM’s office has clarified that there is demand for reservation for Muslim community members in government contracts. But there has not been any proposal in that regard before the Government.

Ahead of the Waqf election scheduled on November 19, Zameer Ahmed held the meeting of voters at a private hotel in Mysuru on Tuesday.

He said that the Waqf land issue would not be discussed in the meeting.