Union Min Karandlaje Apologizes for “Anti-Tamilian” Remark

Chennai: Following a controversy over her statement, Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje apologised to the “Tamil brothers and sisters”.

The controversy erupted after the BJP leader Karandlaje said that a person from Tamil Nadu planted the bomb in Bengaluru’s Rameswaram Cafe.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK 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, in a viral video on social media stated that the bomber behind the Rameshwaram blasts was trained in Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri forests, “under your (Stalin’s) nose”.

Stalin termed her claims as “reckless” and in post on X said “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.

“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”.