The Dalit unit demands an apology from Kumaraswamy for his remarks on Priyanka Kharge

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy. File | Photo credit: The Hindu

The Karnataka State Federation of Scheduled Caste Communities has condemned Home Minister HD Kumaraswamy’s alleged derogatory remarks against Home Minister Priyank Kharge and demanded a public apology.

The president of the district unit of the federation, Mahadev Mogha, said at a press conference in Kalaburagi town that Mr. Kumaraswamy had made personal remarks targeting Mr. Kharge’s caste identity and questioned the reservation system.

Mr Mogha said the remarks had hurt the sentiments of not only the Scheduled Caste communities but also the wider Dalit community. Citing the constitutional principles of equality and social justice, he said attacking members of the public based on caste was unacceptable; this question transcended party politics and involved the dignity of the community and the principles of social justice espoused by Dr. BR Ambedkar.

The federation demanded a public apology from Mr Kumaraswamy and urged the authorities to initiate legal action under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in accordance with the law. The members of the federation appealed to the Prime Minister to consider action against him in his capacity as Union Minister and Member of Parliament and urged the Governor to take note of the remarks.

Mr Mogha warned that organizations representing the community would launch protests across the state if Mr Kumaraswamy did not apologise.

Published – 20 October 2026 18:45 IST