Bengaluru, Nov 12*: Terming Kumaraswamy and Zameer Ahmed Khan as ‘old buddies’, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar today said the BJP was trying to take political mileage out of their banter.
“Kumaraswamy and Zameer are old buddies. The exchange of words between them is their personal matter. But the BJP is trying to get political mileage out it,” he said while speaking to reporters at his Sadashivanagar residence.
Asked about Zameer’s alleged racist comments against Kumaraswamy during the by election campaign, he said, “They go back a long way. Zameer has said in the past that he knows what underwear Kumaraswamy wears. Kumaraswamy has also said he knows Zameer way too well. Has Kumaraswamy raised any objection to Zameer’s statement? If such banter has not happened between them in the past, Kumaraswamy can file a case of racism.”
Asked if he defends Zameer’s statement, he said, “I am not defending anyone. Let us not interfere in their private matter. BJP is trying to politicise this. We call some of our Muslim friends ‘Saabre’ and we call ‘Gowda’ for some. These are friendly banters, they love each other. There is no politics in this.”
Asked if Zameer’s statement would have any impact on Channapatna by election, he said, “It won’t have any impact in Channapatna or any other place. The Opposition is scared of defeat and hence it is trying to make mountain of a molehill.”
*No reservation in contracts*
Replying to a query on 4% reservation for minorities in contracts, he said, “It is false. Opposition is spreading rumours for publicity during election time. I can tell you there is no such proposal before the government. We had come forward to give such reservation for SC/ST sometime ago but there is no question of giving reservation in contracts to Muslims.”
*Night traffic in Bandipur*
Asked if night traffic restrictions in Bandipur would be removed, he said, “The representatives of Bandipur region held a discussion with me regarding this. A decision will be arrived at after discussing with representatives of both the states. Karnataka’s interest will be taken care of in any decision.”
Asked about BJP’s post on X platform that his was the culture of Hitler and Kotwal, he quipped, “I accept their title. Let them erect a board in front of my home!”
