Karnataka Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan Sparks Row with ‘Suicide Bomber’ Remark Amid Pahalgam Attack Outrage
Zameer Ahmed Khan, Karnataka’s Housing Minister, triggered controversy on Friday after declaring his willingness to go to Pakistan as a suicide bomber. The remarks, made following the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 civilians dead on April 22, have drawn sharp reactions across political circles.
In a video posted on X, Khan stated, “If needed, I will go with a suicide bomb. I’m not saying this in jest or out of emotion. If the country needs me, let Narendra Modi and Amit Shah give me a suicide bomb I swear by Allah, I will wear it and go to Pakistan.”
Addressing the media, he further emphasized, “I’ve always said we are Indians. We have no ties to Pakistan. We are ready to fight. If I’m ordered to go to war as a minister, I will go. I will fight for my country.” He denounced the Pahalgam attack as “barbaric and inhuman” and called on Indians to unite in response.
Who is Zameer Ahmed Khan?
Zameer Ahmed Khan serves as Karnataka’s Minister for Housing, Waqf, and Minority Affairs under the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government. Representing the Chamrajpet constituency, he is a five-time legislator who began his political career with the Janata Dal (Secular) in 2005.
According to Hindustan Times, Khan transitioned to the Congress in 2018 after several terms with JD(S). In recent years, he has faced legal scrutiny, including a 2024 summons by the Lokayukta police in a disproportionate assets case, and a 2021 Enforcement Directorate raid.
Union Minister Slams Khan’s Remarks
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi criticized Khan’s statement, calling it immature. As quoted by PTI, Joshi said, “Trust the military and remain silent. That’s enough. Believe in our armed forces and intelligence. That will be your greatest service to the nation.” He added that refraining from demoralizing the armed forces would be Khan’s true contribution.
Past Controversies
Khan is no stranger to political controversy. Last year, he faced backlash for his “Kaalia” remark directed at Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy during a campaign in Channapatna. The JD(S) condemned the comment as racist. Khan later expressed regret, saying, “If my words hurt anyone, I apologize. When I was with him, he’d affectionately call me ‘kulla’ (short) and I’d call him ‘black’. I’m ready to apologize if it offended anyone.”
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