MYSURU, 18 NOV

Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday indicated that State Congress may initiate disciplinary proceedings against Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan for referring to Union Minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy as “Kaaliya” (dark-skinned), which NDA had slammed as a "racist" slur.

Several Congress office-bearers have been pushing the party to crack the whip against Khan, a lawmaker from Chamarajpet, accusing him of causing damage and embarrassment to the party.

"Our state Congress President (DK Shivakumar), after the bypolls, has said his (Khan's) statement had its impact on the election. There is a disciplinary committee in the party under (K) Rahman Khan (former deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha). If the party president refers the matter to the disciplinary committee, they may call Khan and inquire him," Parameshwara said.

Many Congress leaders and those in the political circles believe that Khan's statement had an adverse impact on the party's prospects in the Channapatna Assembly segment, which went for bypolls along with Shiggaon and Sandur seats on 13 November. The results will be declared on 23 November.

BJP continuing ‘Operation Lotus’ in State

Parameshwara accused BJP of continuing Operation Lotus in the State. Saying BJP was still trying to buy MLAs, the Home Minister held these attempts as being "true" based on the statement made by the Chief Minister.

"We will investigate the matter if we get the correct document. Why not investigate if the record is found? BJP is known for Operation Lotus. They are experts in this," Parameshwara said. –Salar News with Agencies