Bengaluru, Feb 10 (DHNS): Senior Congress leader C K Jaffer Sharief on Thursday apologised to the people of the Kuruba community for hurting them by his recent comment.

Sharief, who had been critical of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s style of functioning of late, had recently dubbed the state government ‘Kuruba government.’ Siddaramaiah belongs to the Kuruba community. When journalists had sought Sharief’s comments on former chief minister S?M?Krishna quitting the Congress, he had made the comment on Kurubas.

“I hold that community in high esteem and respect. I have always maintained, both in my public and private life, high respect for all communities. I request the Kuruba community to forgive and pardon me, since I apologise for hurting the community though unintentionally...(sic)” Sharief stated in a release issued to the media.

Sharief’s comment had not gone down well with the Kuruba community leaderss. A section of Congress leaders had also demanded that disciplinary action be taken against the veteran leader.

Sharief tendered apology a day after the Congress Legislature Party on Wednesday passed a resolution, urging the party to take action against all those who are openly criticising the party high command and Siddaramaiah.