Bengaluru: Having dubbed the state government as ‘Kuruba government’ recently, senior Congress leader C K Jaffer Sharief on Thursday offered his apologies for having hurt the sentiments of the people of the Kuruba community.

Sharief, who had been critical of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s style of functioning of late, made the remark when he was quizzed about former chief minister S M Krishna exit from Congress after a long association with the party. It may be noted that Siddaramaiah belongs to the Kuruba community

Sharief, while issuing an apology via a release to the media stated: “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’s comment had not gone down well with the Kuruba community leaders. 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 criticizing the party high command and Siddaramaiah.