KPCC chief may refer Zameer’s remarks to party disciplinary committee (home minister)

G. Parameshwara | Photo credit: archive photo

Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Monday hinted at the possibility of taking disciplinary action against Minister BZ Zameer Khan for his controversial remarks on the last day of public campaigning in the by-elections for the constituency of Channapatna Assembly.

He said KPCC president DK Shivakumar could refer Mr Khan’s issue to the party’s disciplinary committee headed by senior Congress leader Rahman Khan. If the committee finds the remarks serious and damaging to the party’s prospects, it may recommend disciplinary action against the minister, he noted.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Dr Parameshwara said Mr Shivakumar had already reacted to Mr Khan’s comment and said it was wrong. If the matter is brought before the disciplinary committee, it will request an explanation from the minister, he said.

Dr Parameshwara said he was a member of the Congress disciplinary committee at the national level, headed by senior Congress leader AK Antony, and recalled sending notices even to chief ministers regarding their remarks seeking explanations. There have been cases where erring leaders have been suspended from the party. Mr Rahman has the authority to look into the matter if the KPCC chief refers Mr Khan’s comment to him, he said.

Mr Khan, who was in Mysuru recently, apologized for his remarks referring to Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, but the Opposition demanded the minister’s resignation over his “racist” comments. Congress candidate from Channapatna, CP Yogeshwara, also said that Mr Khan’s comment could impact the party’s bypoll prospects.