BJP demands Zameer Ahmed Khan’s removal for skipping Independence Day event

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Aug. 14, 2026: Karnataka Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan’s decision to skip the Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony in Vijayanagar district sparked a heated debate in the Karnataka Assembly on Friday, with the Opposition BJP demanding his removal from the Cabinet.

Following Zameer’s decision, the state government assigned Muzrai Minister K.S. Basavanthappa to hoist the national flag in Vijayanagar district.

Raising the issue in the Assembly after the election of G.S. Patil as Speaker, BJP MLA V. Sunil Kumar questioned the minister’s absence from the Independence Day celebrations.

“Why do we need a minister who does not have time for Independence Day? What could be more important than participating in the national celebrations? We cannot tolerate this,” Kumar said.

Zameer was not present in the House when the issue was discussed.

Defending his Cabinet colleague, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara said Zameer had cited health reasons for his inability to attend the event.

“He has informed the government that he is unable to travel such a long distance due to health issues. The Chief Minister has already made alternative arrangements for the flag-hoisting ceremony,” Parameshwara said.

Unsatisfied with the explanation, Sunil Kumar urged the government to take action against the minister.

“We want the government to make an alternative arrangement for this minister as well,” he remarked, while also criticising the government over other issues.

Parameshwara accused the BJP of unnecessarily linking unrelated matters and maintained that the minister’s absence was due to health concerns.

“Zameer has cited health reasons. It is unfair to portray this as an act of disloyalty or disrespect to the nation,” he said.

Former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP MLA C.N. Ashwath Narayan described Zameer’s decision as an insult to the nation and sought a stronger response from the government.

As the discussion intensified, Speaker G.S. Patil advised members to submit a formal notice if they wished to debate the matter in detail.

Responding to this, Sunil Kumar questioned whether a separate notice was necessary to discuss an issue related to respect for the national flag.