Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje apologises for ’Tamilians’ remark after spat with MK Stalin

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Mar 20, 2024: A war of words erupted between Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje after the BJP leader said that a person from Tamil Nadu planted the bomb in Bengaluru’s Rameswaram Cafe.

 

While Stalin condemned her remarks and sought legal action against her, Karandalje hit back, saying Stalin does "appeasement politics". However, she apologised for her remarks, later saying that it was "meant to shine light, not cast shadows".

Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State For Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, stated that the bomber behind the Rameshwaram blasts was trained in Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri forests, "under your (Stalin’s) nose".

In a widely shared video on social media, Shobha could be heard saying, “People from Tamil Nadu come here, get trained there, and plant bombs here. They placed a bomb in the cafe,” referring to the bomb blast at Bengaluru’s Rameshwaram Cafe on March 1.

Retweeting the viral video of Karandlaje on X, Chief Minister MK Stalin condemned her remarks and called for legal action against the BJP leader. Stalin termed her claims as "reckless" and said only an NIA official or someone closely linked to the case should have the authority to make any remarks.

"Clearly, she lacks the authority for such assertions. Tamilians and Kannadigas alike will reject this divisive rhetoric of BJP. I also urge for appropriate legal action against Shobha for causing a threat to peace, harmony and national unity," Stalin’s tweet read.

“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,” he added.

Following the Chief Minister’s criticism, Shobha in a post on X, reiterated her statements, citing recent searches by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the state.

“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,” the Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare tweeted.

“FYI, the Rameshwaram bomber was trained in Krishnagiri forests under your nose,” she claimed, also adding that “Tamil makkal” has a long history of harmonious relations with Karnataka.

She also said that the "Tamil Makkal" have been an integral part of Karnataka’s social fabric, contributing immensely to the state.

MINISTER SHOBHA APOLOGISES

Following the controversy, Karandlaje apologised to the "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 apologise. My remarks were solely directed towards those trained in the Krishnagiri forest," she said.

She added, "linked to the Rameshwaram Cafe blast. To anyone from Tamilnadu effected, From the depths of my heart, I ask your forgiveness. Furthermore, I retract my previous comments".

Courtesy: India Today