Bengaluru Cafe Blast: Union Min Pralhad Joshi Calls For NIA Probe, Accuses Congress Of 'Supporting Radicalisation'

The explosion at Rameshwaram Cafe has sparked a political furor, with the BJP squarely blaming the Congress government for what they terme as a failure in maintaining law and order in Karnataka.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday demanded an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) criticising the Karnataka government's handling of the explosion at Bangalore's popular Rameshwaram Cafe on Friday alleging the Siddaramaiah government's negligence. The remarks came as Joshi along with Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot and Vijayendra Yediyurappa met those injured in the blast earlier.

"If the Congress government took whatever happened in the Vidhan Sabha a few days back, this incident would not have happened. It was such a casual reaction...We condemn it and NIA should investigate it...People will not tolerate this," the Union Minister said, as per news agency ANI.

He blamed the "appeasement policy" of the Congress for the incident and alleged that "radicalisation is being encouraged and supported by the Congress," he remarked.

According to ANI, Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra earlier said, "The investigation into this case should be handed over to NIA. The CM should take responsibility and immediately resign."

In a post on X, Vijayendra Yediyurappa wrote, "The government's callousness and the failure of police intelligence are evident in this incident." He further accused the government of 'downplaying' such crimes, asserting that it's leading the state into chaos and providing a safe haven for antisocial elements. 

"Callousness of the State govt in downplaying such crimes under the guise of minority "Brotherhood" policies is pushing the state into this chaos & proving to be a safe haven for antisocial elements. Failure of police intelligence is also evident in this incident. We strongly urge the police to conduct a thorough probe & eradicate these elements from the core without yielding to any political pressures," he stated.

Terrorists And Anti-National Elements Feel Emboldened: Karnataka LoP Alleges

Echoing Vijayendra's sentiments, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly and BJP leader R Ashoka criticised the Congress-led government's approach towards law and order in Karnataka. "The bomb blast at Rameshwaram Cafe is yet another glaring example of the deteriorating law and order situation," Ashoka stated, attributing the escalation in crime to what he described as the Congress government's policy of appeasement.

"Wherever the Congress comes to power, the terrorists and anti-national elements feel emboldened because of its policy of unabashed and unbridled appeasement. The Congress govt should first ensure 'guarantee' of safety and security to the people of Karnataka," he posted on X.

PC Mohan, BJP Lok Sabha MP from Bengaluru Central, stressed the need for ensuring citizen safety, stating, "Urging authorities to investigate and ensure the safety of all citizens."

Earlier, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya shared details from a conversation with the cafe's founder, stating, "Just spoke to Rameshwaram Café founder Sri Nagaraj about the blast in his restaurant. He informed me that the blast occurred because of a bag that was left by a customer and not any cylinder explosion. One of their employees is injured. It’s seems to be a clear case of bomb blast. Bengaluru demands clear answers from CM @siddaramaiah (sic)".

The blast site was swiftly attended by police and fire brigade teams, with forensic experts collecting evidence. The area was secured, and the injured were taken to the hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasised the need to refrain from politicising the issue and urged cooperation from all quarters. Assuring strict action against those responsible, he attempted to defuse tensions surrounding the incident.