Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje apologizes for Tamil Nadu remarks

The federal minister retracted her statement.

Bangalore:

Hours after Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje claimed that the suspects in the March 1 Rameshwaram cafe blast were from Tamil Nadu, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader retracted his statement and apologized.

“To my Tamil brothers and sisters, I want to clarify that my words were meant to shine a light, not to cast a shadow. However, I have seen that my words have caused pain to some people – and for that, I apologize. My words Just for those Ms. Karandlaje said in a post on “X”: “I received training in Krishnagiri forest which is related to Rameshwaram cafe blast. To anyone from Tamil Nadu who has been affected, I ask your forgiveness from the bottom of my heart. Additionally, I retract my previous comments. “‘.

My Tamil brothers and sisters,
I want to clarify that my words are meant to illuminate, not cast shadow. However, I find that my comments have caused pain to some people – and for that, I apologize. My remarks are only for those who have been trained in Krishnagiri Forest,
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—Shobha Karandlaje (Modi Ka Parivar) (@ShobhaBJP) March 19, 2024

The Union minister also accused Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin of encouraging militants to target Hindus and BJP workers.

“Mr. Stalin, what has become of Tamil Nadu under your rule? Your policy of appeasement has emboldened militants to attack Hindus and BJP workers day and night. Frequent incidents of violence occurred while you turned a blind eye. Bombs with the symbols of terrorist groups like ISIS exploded. Eyes,” Ms Karandraj said in an earlier post on “X”.

The federal minister retracted her statement.

“To my Tamil brothers and sisters, I want to clarify that my words were meant to shine a light, not to cast a shadow. However, I have seen that my words have caused pain to some people – and for that, I apologize. My words Just for those who are trained in Krishnagiri forest,” Ms. Karandraj said in a post on ‘X’.

Claiming that the bombers involved in the Rameshwaram cafe blast had been trained in Krishnagiri forests, the BJP leader said: “FYI, Rameshwaram Bombers are trained in the Krishnagiri forests right under your nose. Tamil Makar has a long and harmonious relationship with Karnataka.”

“They are an integral part of the social fabric of Karnataka and have contributed immensely to the state. We have close cultural ties and a shared history,” she added.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, angry at Ms Karandraj’s provocative remarks, said the Union minister had no right to make such assertions.

“Strongly condemn the reckless remarks of Union BJP Minister @ShobhaBJP. One has to be an NIA officer or closely related to #RameshwaramCafeBlast to make such an assertion. Clearly, she has no authority to make such an assertion,” Mr. Stalin said on “X ” said a post on . ‘.

Calling for legal action against Kalandraj and seeking the attention of the Election Commission, Mr. Stalin further said, “Tamils ​​and Kannadigas alike will reject this divisive rhetoric of the BJP. I also urge action against Shobha Appropriate legal action as it poses a threat to peace and harmony and national unity. Everyone in the BJP from the Prime Minister to the cadre should immediately stop participating in this dirty divisive politics. The ECI must take note of this hate speech , and take immediate and severe action.”

Earlier last week, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) detained a Shabbir from Ballari in Karnataka in connection with the Rameshwaram cafe blast in Bengaluru, sources said.

The Rameshwaram cafe blast took place at 1 pm on March 1. The police also spotted a suspect in the CCTV footage who placed a bag inside the cafe. Police investigations so far indicate the blast was carried out using an improvised explosive device with a timer.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)