The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Kerala): On Wednesday, political factions in Kerala, encompassing both the governing Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposing United Democratic Front (UDF), collectively expressed their disapproval of the controversial statements attributed to Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shobha Karandlaje. These remarks, which were seen as offensive towards the people of Kerala, led to accusations against the Karnataka politician of fostering discord among religious communities.
V D Satheesan, a Congress leader and the Leader of Opposition in the Kerala State Assembly, called for Karandlaje to issue a public apology. Concurrently, Binoy Viswom, a senior leader from the Left and the state secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI), has sought intervention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the contentious comments made by the BJP leader.
This wave of criticism followed a speech by Karandlaje at a BJP rally in Bengaluru, where she implicated individuals from Kerala in acid attacks within Karnataka. Her comments were part of a larger statement that criticized the law and order situation in Karnataka, also mentioning people from Tamil Nadu and Delhi in negative contexts related to violent and anti-national activities.
Karandlaje’s remarks particularly singled out Keralites, suggesting their involvement in crimes against women in Karnataka, a claim that has drawn severe backlash. Viswam, in his rebuke, highlighted that Karandlaje had previously retracted her statements concerning individuals from Tamil Nadu regarding an unrelated incident but remained steadfast in her unfounded accusations against the people of Kerala.
The demand for an official apology is intensified by the concern that such statements could tarnish the reputation of Kerala’s citizens. Furthermore, there is a growing expectation among the people for a response from Prime Minister Modi, who frequently engages with the state through visits and political rallies.
Satheesan warned of potential legal recourse, including possibly reaching out to the Election Commission, should Karandlaje refuse to retract her remarks and apologize. The incident has not only strained relations within Karnataka but has also drawn criticism from Tamil Nadu’s political leaders, including Chief Minister M K Stalin, following Karandlaje’s derogatory comments towards communities from other states, for which legal actions have been initiated.