Fri Nov 15 15:40:01 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan Faces Criticism and Calls for Disciplinary Action

**Bengaluru, November 15, 2024:** Karnataka’s Minister for Housing, Waqf, and Minority Welfare, B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan, has been at the center of several controversies in recent times, sparking calls for disciplinary action from within the Congress party.

Khan, a five-time MLA and prominent Muslim leader, has drawn criticism for his handling of the Ministry of Waqf, including issuing notices to farmers claiming their land as waqf property, which were later withdrawn by the Chief Minister following protests. He has also come under fire for his controversial remarks about JD(S) leader and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s skin color, and for labeling a High Court ruling on an alleged MUDA scam as a “political judgment,” prompting the Governor to initiate action against him.

Khan’s history of controversial statements dates back to 2022, when he was warned by the party for his remarks about Muslims outnumbering Vokkaligas in Karnataka. The Enforcement Directorate also raided his properties in relation to an alleged IMA scam in December 2022.

Internal friction within the Congress party has also been fueled by Khan’s statements favoring former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah amidst a power struggle between the current Chief Minister and his deputy. These actions have further alienated Khan from Congress leaders, with KPCC vice-president A.R.M. Hussain urging party president D.K. Shivakumar to take disciplinary action against Khan for “embarrassing the party” and the government.

Several Congress MLAs have petitioned party president M. Mallikarjun Kharge, expressing their concerns about Khan’s conduct. They view him as a liability to the party, and call for a strong warning to be issued.

While Khan’s past associations with the JD(S) and his history of making inflammatory remarks have been highlighted, some argue that the Congress leadership is using him to target his former political boss, H.D. Kumaraswamy.

This ongoing controversy surrounding Khan has cast a shadow over the Congress party in Karnataka, raising questions about its internal stability and its ability to effectively govern.

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