BJP Leader Shobha Karandlaje Retracts Her Remarks On Bengaluru Rameshwaram Café Suspect

Leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Shobha Karandlaje retracted her remarks that the suspect in the March 1 explosion at the Rameshwaram Cafe was from Tamil Nadu. The remark had caused outrage in the people of the region.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Karandlaje said, “To my Tamil brothers & sisters, I wish to clarify that my words were meant to shine light, not cast shadows. Yet I see that my remarks brought pain to some – and for that, I apologize. My remarks were solely directed towards those trained in the Krishnagiri forest, linked to the Rameshwaram Cafe blast. To anyone from Tamil Nadu effected (sic), From the depths of my heart, I ask your forgiveness. Furthermore, I retract my previous comments.”

The Union Minister had previously claimed that radical elements were being empowered by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin to target Hindus and BJP workers.  “The Rameshwaram bomber was trained in Krishnagiri forests under your nose. Tamil Makkal has a long history of harmonious relations with Karnataka,” the BJP leader said.

“Mr. Stalin, What has become of Tamil Nadu under your rule? Your appeasement politics have emboldened radical elements to attack on Hindus & BJP workers day and night. Frequent Bomb blasts bearing the hallmarks of terror outfits like ISIS explode while you turn a blind eye,” Karandlaje had earlier said in a post on X.

The Union Minister retracted her statement.

“To my Tamil brothers and sisters, I wish to clarify that my words were meant to shine light, not cast shadows. Yet I see that my remarks brought pain to some – and for that, I apologize. My remarks were solely directed towards those trained in the Krishnagiri forest,” Karandlaje said in a post on X.

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Stalin, the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, took offense at Karandlaje’s provocative remarks and stated that the Union Minister lacked the right to make such statements.
“Strongly condemn Union BJP Minister @ShobhaBJP’s reckless statement. One must either be an NIA official or closely linked to the #RameshwaramCafeBlast to make such claims. Clearly, she lacks the authority for such assertions,” Stalin said.

Calling for legal action against Karandlaje and asking the Election Commission to take note, Stalin further said, “Tamilians and Kannadigas alike will reject this divisive rhetoric of BJP. I also urge for an appropriate legal action against Shobha for causing threat to peace, harmony and national unity. From the Prime Minister to cadre, everyone in the BJP should stop engaging in this dirty divisive politics at once. ECI must take note of this hate speech and initiate stringent action immediately.”