'BJP has to say ‘namaskaar sir’ to Muslim Speaker': Karnataka Minister stirs row

Karnataka Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan stirred controversy after he claimed that BJP leaders are now compelled to respectfully greet the Muslim Speaker of the state assembly, UT Khader, a situation he credited to the efforts of the Congress government.

“Today, the BJP has to stand up and say ‘Namaskaar, sir’ to our UT Khader. Congress has made this happen,” Zameer Khan said at a public gathering in Telangana.

Khan underscored the key roles Muslim leaders have acquired within the Congress, listing several leaders and their positions. He said that out of 17 Muslim candidates fielded by the party, 9 were elected as MLAs, with 5 holding influential roles.

Specifically, he mentioned his own appointment to three ministerial portfolios, Rahim Khan as a Minister, Saleem Ahmed Khan as Chief Whip, and Naseer Ahmed as a political secretary.

He pointed out that before the Congress government's tenure, there had never been a Muslim Speaker, and now the BJP has to acknowledge Speaker UT Khader with respect.

Zameer Khan's controversial remarks come as the government prepares for the winter session of the Karnataka Assembly, scheduled to be held at the Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi from December 4 to 15.

Reacting to the statement, JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy said, “We did not expect such a low level reaction by Minister Zameer Ahmed. If the BJP decides not to stand up in the winter assembly session because of this statement, then what will be the fate of the assembly? If Chief Minister has any sense, he should initiate action against Zameer.”

This incident comes months after the suspension of 10 BJP MLAs by Speaker UT Khader in July. The MLAs were disciplined for what Khader deemed "unruly" behaviour and disrespect to the Chair after they were seen throwing torn Bills at Deputy Speaker Rudrappa Lamani.