After linking Tamil Nadu with Rameshwaram Cafe blast, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje apologises

In a post on X, she wrote, “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 Tamilnadu affected, From the depths of my heart, I ask your forgiveness. Furthermore, I retract my previous comments.”

On Tuesday, Karandlaje had told reporters that “one guy comes from Tamil Nadu, takes training there and plants a bomb at Rameshwaram Cafe”. She was speaking at a protest held on Wednesday against an assault on a shopkeeper by six men at Nagarathpete.

Shobha Karandlaje had also taken a dig at Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin. “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. FYI, the Rameshwaram bomber was trained in Krishnagiri forests under your nose,” she had posted on X.

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.
1/3

— Shobha Karandlaje (Modi Ka Parivar) (@ShobhaBJP) March 19, 2024

Stalin condemned the statements made by the Union Minister, and demanded action from the Election Commission of India against such hate speech. “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. 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,” she said.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) which is probing The Rameshwaram Cafe blast is looking at the Islamic State-linked terror module from Shivamogga for possible links to the March 1 incident. The bomb went off at The Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru, injuring at least nine people during lunch hour rush.