A day after Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje sparked outrage with her remarks accusing Tamils of involvement in planting bombs in Karnataka, the BJP leader issued an apology on Wednesday. Further, Shobha Karandlaje clarified that her statements were misinterpreted and expressed remorse for any distress caused.
Taking to X, Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmer's Welfare, Ministry of Food Processing Industries 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 Tamilnadu effected, From the depths of my heart, I ask your forgiveness. Furthermore, I retract my previous comments."
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On Tuesday, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje said, “People from Tamil Nadu come here, get trained there and plant bombs here. Placed bomb in cafe."
The statement received widespread condemnation including from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. The CM said, "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."
He also urged to take legal action against Shoba for causing a 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," MK Stalin said.