New Delhi: Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar criticized the Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) after three blasts rocked a Christian group's convention center in Kalamassery, Kerala's Ernakulam district on Sunday morning, resulting in one fatality and around 40 injuries.
In a social media post, Chandrasekhar condemned the blasts and accused the Congress and CPM of practicing appeasement politics. He stated, "The price of appeasement politics by Congress and CPM will always be borne by the innocents of all communities. That is what history has taught us."
Alluding to a Hamas leader's virtual presence at a pro-Palestine rally in Kerala the previous day, the Union Minister remarked, "Brazen appeasement politics—shameless even by Congress/CPM/UPA/INDI alliance standards to invite terrorist Hamas to spread hate and call for 'jihad' in Kerala. This is the height of irresponsible and reckless politics. Enough!"
He concluded with a quote by Hillary Rodham Clinton: "You can't keep snakes in your backyard and expect them only to bite your neighbors. Eventually, those snakes are going to turn on whoever has them in the backyard."
According to Kerala DGP Shaik Darvesh Saheb, preliminary investigations indicate that the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED).
A four-member National Investigation Agency (NIA) team is currently working alongside local police officers to investigate the incident.
The local police responded to an emergency call about the blast at around 9:40 am, leading to the evacuation of individuals from the blast site.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan confirmed the casualty figures and emphasized the gravity of the incident. He stated that an investigation is underway, and further details will be available upon its completion.
Disturbing scenes from the convention center depicted multiple fires and frightened individuals.
Health Minister Veena George reported, "Around 40 individuals are injured. A ten-year-old child has suffered severe burns and is in serious condition. One person has died, and their body is at Kalamassery Medical College. Seven are in the ICU at Kalamassery Medical College. While there may not be a significant increase in the number of injured individuals, it may reach up to 50."
The Delhi Police are on high alert following the blasts at the convention center in Kerala. In a statement, the Delhi Police affirmed that special vigilance is being maintained in crowded places.
"The Special Cell is in constant communication with intelligence agencies, and no input will be taken lightly. Security arrangements are being reinforced in crowded areas," the statement added.
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