<p>After his 'Muslims outnumber Vokkaligas in state' remark stirred controversy, Congress MLA B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan on Monday got into damage control mode saying he is in politics because of Adichunchanagiri seer and enjoys a cordial relationship with the mutt.</p>.<p>"I joined politics following the instructions of Adichunchanagiri seer. His instruction led me to have won Assembly elections four times and had two stints as minister. I have grown up in the Vokkaligas' mutt," Zameer told reporters here.</p>.<p><strong>Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/state/karnataka-politics/vokkaliga-votes-cong-tries-damage-control-after-mlas-controversial-remark-amid-bjp-heat-1129977.html" target="_blank">Vokkaliga votes: Cong tries damage control after MLA's controversial remark amid BJP heat</a></strong></p>.<p>"Now, for some reason I am in Congress. But my political guru is H D Deve Gowda. I have come this far because of the blessings of Gowda. Only BJP uses caste to further their political interests," Zameer said taking an indirect swipe at Revenue Minster R Ashoka.</p>.<p><strong>'Muslims owe debt to Siddu'</strong></p>.<p>Replying to a query on Siddaramotsava, Zameer said, "Muslims owe a debt to Siddaramaiah, who released a grant of Rs 3,150 crore for the welfare of minorities when he was the chief minister. Muslims should take part in Siddaramaiah's birthday event in large numbers," Chamarajpet MLA said.</p>.<p>When asked whether he would celebrate KPCC president D K Shivakumar's birthday with the same enthusiasm, Zameer said, "He is our (state Congress) president. We will definitely celebrate it..."</p>
<p>After his 'Muslims outnumber Vokkaligas in state' remark stirred controversy, Congress MLA B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan on Monday got into damage control mode saying he is in politics because of Adichunchanagiri seer and enjoys a cordial relationship with the mutt.</p>.<p>"I joined politics following the instructions of Adichunchanagiri seer. His instruction led me to have won Assembly elections four times and had two stints as minister. I have grown up in the Vokkaligas' mutt," Zameer told reporters here.</p>.<p><strong>Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/state/karnataka-politics/vokkaliga-votes-cong-tries-damage-control-after-mlas-controversial-remark-amid-bjp-heat-1129977.html" target="_blank">Vokkaliga votes: Cong tries damage control after MLA's controversial remark amid BJP heat</a></strong></p>.<p>"Now, for some reason I am in Congress. But my political guru is H D Deve Gowda. I have come this far because of the blessings of Gowda. Only BJP uses caste to further their political interests," Zameer said taking an indirect swipe at Revenue Minster R Ashoka.</p>.<p><strong>'Muslims owe debt to Siddu'</strong></p>.<p>Replying to a query on Siddaramotsava, Zameer said, "Muslims owe a debt to Siddaramaiah, who released a grant of Rs 3,150 crore for the welfare of minorities when he was the chief minister. Muslims should take part in Siddaramaiah's birthday event in large numbers," Chamarajpet MLA said.</p>.<p>When asked whether he would celebrate KPCC president D K Shivakumar's birthday with the same enthusiasm, Zameer said, "He is our (state Congress) president. We will definitely celebrate it..."</p>