MK Stalin Demands Hate Speech Case Against Shobha Karandlaje For “People From Tamil Nadu” Comments, She Apologises
Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje“s remarks accusing “people from Tamil Nadu” of planting bombs in Bengaluru sparked controversy, drawing strong condemnation from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. Karandlaje”s statement, made in the aftermath of a low-intensity blast at Rameshwaram Cafe in the city earlier this month, prompted questions about the basis of her claims.
MK Stalin criticized Karandlaje”s assertions, stating, “One must either be an NIA official or closely linked to the Rameshwaram Cafe Blast to make such claims.” He condemned her remarks as reckless and divisive, urging for appropriate legal action against her for allegedly threatening peace, harmony, and national unity. Stalin called for an end to what he described as the BJP”s divisive politics and called on the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take stringent action against 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… https://t.co/wIgk4oK3dh
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) March 19, 2024
In response to the backlash, Shobha Karandlaje offered her apology to Tamil people, clarifying that her remarks were directed solely at those linked to the Rameshwaram Cafe blast. She expressed regret for any pain caused and retracted her previous comments.
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,
1/2— Shobha Karandlaje (Modi Ka Parivar) (@ShobhaBJP) March 19, 2024
“People from Tamil Nadu come here, get trained there and plant bombs here. Placed bomb in café. Another person for Kerala attacked three women with acid,” the minister was seen telling a reporter. She was speaking from a location where BJP leaders and activists gathered to protest against an attack on a shopkeeper on Monday.
Meanwhile, many on social media have asked her about the source of her claims. She, to substantiate her claims, has also shared a news link that reports NIA raids in places in Tamil Nadu and Telengana.
Ms Karandlaje also responded to Mr Stalin”s criticism, accusing him of engaging in appeasement politics and failing to address attacks on Hindus and BJP workers in Tamil Nadu. She alleged that the Rameshwaram bomber was trained in Krishnagiri forests under Stalin”s administration.
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
Ms Karandlaje also emphasized the historical ties and shared cultural bonds between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, highlighting the contributions of Tamil people to Karnataka”s social fabric.
Tamil Nadu minister and actor Udhayanidhi Stalin asked how the BJP minister arrived at such an outrageous claim when the NIA is investigating the Rameswaram Cafe Blast case matter?
“The deplorable divisive politics of the BJP has hit a new low. I’m sure the Tamils and our Kannadiga brothers and sisters will reject the disgusting claims of the BJP. I urge the NIA to investigate her. ECI must act against her for hate speech which seeks to threaten the unity and harmony of our great nation,” he demanded in an X post.
I strongly condemn the venomous statement made by the Union Minister @ShobhaBJP. I wonder how the BJP minister arrived at such an outrageous claim when the NIA is investigating the Rameswaram Cafe Blast case matter ?
The deplorable divisive politics of the BJP has hit a new low.…
— Udhay (@Udhaystalin) March 19, 2024
