Social media is abuzz with propaganda against the BJP. This time it is in “response” to comments made by Karnataka BJP MP and Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje, who mentioned individuals trained in Tamil Nadu (Krishnagiri) coming here (Bangalore) engages in bomb planting. However, these criticisms seem to lack an understanding of the context of Karandlaje’s speech and appear to be primarily aimed at fostering an anti-BJP sentiment in Tamil Nadu.
In a viral video circulating on social media, Shobha was recorded expressing at the heat of the moment that, “People from Tamil Nadu come here, get trained there (Krishnagiri), and plant bombs here. They placed a bomb in the cafe.” This statement pertained to the explosion that occurred at Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru on 1 March 2024.
Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje says “people from Tamil Nadu come here, get trained there and plant bombs here. Placed bomb in cafe”.
What evidence does she have to accuse Tamilians of planting bombs in Karnataka ? pic.twitter.com/KdWI3vby2I
— Arvind Gunasekar (@arvindgunasekar) March 19, 2024
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, MK Stalin, expressed his disapproval through his official X platform, “Strongly condemn Union BJP Minister@ShobhaBJP’s reckless statement. 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. I also urge for an appropriate legal action against Shobha for causing 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.”
Strongly condemn Union BJP Minister @ShobhaBJP's reckless statement. 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… https://t.co/wIgk4oK3dh
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) March 19, 2024
Countering the narrative set by TN Chief Minister Stalin, Shobha Karandlaje in her official X handle elaborated on her previous statement, expressing concerns and accused MK Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, of empowering extremist factions within 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. FYI, the Rameshwaram bomber was trained in Krishnagiri forests under your nose. Tamil makkal has a long history of harmonious relations with Karnataka. They have been an integral part of Karnataka’s social fabric, contributing immensely to the state. We have close cultural bonds and shared history.”
She also provided an article from The Hindu detailing the recent operations conducted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Tamil Nadu and Telangana, targeting the activities of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group. The NIA carried out raids at 31 different locations, aiming to disrupt the radicalization and recruitment efforts of the IS. During these raids, digital devices, documents, and other evidence were confiscated, alongside a significant amount of cash. The investigation uncovered a plot to radicalize young individuals through various means such as Arabic language classes, online platforms, and social media, with connections to previous terrorist incidents. Notably, one of the locations searched was the residence of a DMK ward councillor named M. Mubrera in Coimbatore’s Kottai area, among the 22 sites targeted by the anti-terrorism agency.
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.
1/3— Shobha Karandlaje (Modi Ka Parivar) (@ShobhaBJP) March 19, 2024
Shoba later expressed regret and withdrew her remarks, clarifying that they were not aimed at innocent citizens but specifically targeted radicals, “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 Tamil Nadu effected, From the depths of my heart, I ask your forgiveness. Furthermore, I retract my previous comments.”
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. 🙏
— Shobha Karandlaje (Modi Ka Parivar) (@ShobhaBJP) March 19, 2024
The BJP MP’s statement was seized upon by the ruling DMK government and its IT wing for propaganda against the BJP. This move is seen as a retaliation for previous accusations leveled against the DMK regarding drug prevalence and corruption charges in Tamil Nadu, which the DMK had been unable to counter effectively before.
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