In a decisive rebuttal, Karnataka Minister B. Zameer Ahmed Khan on Tuesday debunked swirling rumors of defecting from Congress to JD-S. The Housing and Waqf portfolio holder, facing heat over Davangere South bypoll controversies, rejected claims of backchannel negotiations with H.D. Kumaraswamy.
As Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s trusted ally, Zameer is navigating a storm. Party insiders reveal Congress is mulling action against him following crackdowns on two MLCs for similar anti-party moves. Against this volatile scenario, tales of his JD-S return gained traction.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Zameer shot down the gossip. ‘These are baseless rumors. Why return to a party I abandoned?’ He reminisced about joining Congress in 2017, noting he never anticipated a ministerial role in the short-lived 2018 JD-S-Congress alliance led by Kumaraswamy.
Congress, however, elevated him swiftly, assigning responsibilities across Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Protection, Minority Affairs, and Haj—far beyond his prior JD-S duties limited to Waqf and Haj. Currently managing four vital departments, Zameer asked, ‘How has Congress sidelined me? Two cabinet stints—what else do I need?’
Dismissing contact with Kumaraswamy, he insisted no secret parleys occurred. ‘Prove your claims or name your sources,’ he demanded from those spreading the rumors. This firm stance underscores his commitment to Congress as Karnataka’s political landscape braces for more bypoll drama.
