Mysuru: Karnataka Housing and Waqf Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan issued a public apology on Tuesday following controversy over his use of the term “Kaalia” to refer to Union Minister and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy. The Congress leader explained that his remark was intended as a term of endearment, not an insult, as he and Kumaraswamy had previously used such nicknames for each other when they shared a close friendship.

Khan clarified that this was not the first time he had addressed Kumaraswamy with this term. He recalled that when he was in the JD(S), Kumaraswamy would refer to him as “Kulla” (dwarf) while he called Kumaraswamy “Kariyanna” (black brother) in return. Khan insisted that his recent comment was meant in the same spirit and apologized to anyone who felt hurt by it.

The minister’s statement, however, drew sharp criticism from both the JD(S) and BJP, with demands for his resignation from the state Cabinet. Khan responded by emphasizing that his remarks should not affect the upcoming Assembly by-polls