Mysuru: Janata Dal (Secular) Working President and former Minister S.R. Mahesh has taken a strong objection to the remarks made by Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan against Union Minister and former Chief Minister (CM) H.D. Kumaraswamy by calling the latter as ‘Kaalia.’ He has demanded that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah must dismiss him from the Cabinet for his arrogant remark.

He was speaking to the media persons at his office on Ramavilas road in the city this morning.

“Elections are a part of democratic process, but the ensuing Channapatna by-election on Nov. 13, is in news for two controversial reasons. To begin with, CM Siddaramaiah at a public meeting held yesterday accused JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda of destroying the political career of many Vokkaliga leaders. It was Deve Gowda, who uplifted the political career of many leaders including Siddaramaiah and also of those who were in his coterie.

Many leaders supported by Deve Gowda, left the party for their selfish reasons,” said Mahesh.

Continuing, he said that Zameer was in JD(S) for a long time and was an ardent follower of H.D. Kumaraswamy and was in awe of him. Now, he has the audacity to say that the Muslims can purchase Kumaraswamy. Does he have any sense of gratitude and culture? asked Mahesh.

Warning that JD(S) workers will wave black flags against him (Zameer), wherever he goes, if he fails to apologise for his remarks against Kumaraswamy, Mahesh said that, Zameer who is criticising Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy may treat Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar in a similar fashion in the future. Hence, Siddaramaiah must immediately dismiss him from the Cabinet, demanded Mahesh.

Later, the party workers led by City JD(S) President K.T. Cheluvegowda staged a protest against Minister Zameer for his remarks against Kumaraswamy.