Union Minister’s ‘Tamil Nadu’ Claim in Bengaluru Blast Case Sparks Backlash; CM Stalin Decries ‘Reckless Statement’
In a contentious development, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje sparked controversy by asserting that the suspect behind the Rameshwaram cafe blast hailed from Tamil Nadu. Her remarks, made amidst heightened tensions in Karnataka, drew sharp criticism from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who labeled them as a “reckless statement.”
Karandlaje’s assertion came against the backdrop of escalating tensions in Karnataka following an assault on a trader allegedly for playing the ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ loudly in his shop during Azaan (Islamic call for prayer). The incident had stirred unrest, prompting several BJP leaders, including Karandlaje, to stage a demonstration in Bengaluru.
“The police said that we could only leave after the Namaz was complete… I want to ask Siddaramaiah who’s government is running here. Have Hindus not voted for you?… Hindus’ insults are going on here constantly,” Karandlaje expressed her discontent during the demonstration.
The assault on the trader, Mukesh, occurred when a group of youths objected to the playing of ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ loudly in his shop on Juma Masjid road during Azaan. The BJP had called for a peaceful procession in support of the victim, with participants chanting ‘Hanuman Chalisa’.
Addressing the crowd, Karandlaje decried the incident, lambasting the government for its perceived inaction. She alleged a pattern of targeting Hindus and criticized the law and order situation in the state, demanding Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara’s resignation.
Amidst her fiery rhetoric, Karandlaje went on to claim that individuals from various states, including Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Kerala, were involved in criminal activities within Karnataka. She specifically mentioned the suspect in the Rameshwaram Cafe blast case, alleging his Tamil Nadu origins.
However, it’s pertinent to note that the National Investigation Agency (NIA), leading the probe into the Rameshwaram Cafe blast, has not divulged the identity of the prime suspect. The state home minister had indicated that investigators were making progress in locating the suspect but refrained from disclosing any specifics.
Reacting to Karandlaje’s assertions, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin condemned her remarks, characterizing them as irresponsible and divisive. He called for legal action against the Union Minister, emphasizing the need to uphold peace, harmony, and national unity.
“Clearly, she lacks the authority for such assertions. Tamilians and Kannadigas alike will reject this divisive rhetoric of BJP,” Stalin asserted, urging the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take strict action against hate speech.
FAQ: Union Minister’s ‘Tamil Nadu’ Claim in Bengaluru Blast Case Sparks Backlash; CM Stalin Decries ‘Reckless Statement’
Q: What prompted Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje to claim that the suspect in the Rameshwaram cafe blast was from Tamil Nadu? A: Shobha Karandlaje made the claim amidst tensions in Karnataka following an assault on a trader allegedly for playing the ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ loudly in his shop during Azaan. She cited the incident as part of a pattern targeting Hindus and mentioned individuals from various states involved in criminal activities within Karnataka.
Q: Has the National Investigation Agency (NIA) revealed the identity of the suspect in the Rameshwaram Cafe blast case? A: No, the NIA has not disclosed the identity of the prime suspect involved in the Rameshwaram Cafe blast. While the investigation is ongoing, the state home minister has indicated progress in locating the suspect.
Q: How did Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin respond to Shobha Karandlaje’s claims? A: MK Stalin strongly condemned Karandlaje’s remarks, labeling them as reckless and divisive. He called for legal action against the Union Minister for posing a threat to peace, harmony, and national unity, urging the Election Commission of India to intervene.