NEW DELH: In a dramatic exchange of words, Union Minister of State, Rajeev Chandrashekhar, and Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, clashed over the recent series of explosions that rocked Ernakulam district in Kerala. The war of words erupted shortly after the Kerala Chief Minister criticized the Union Minister's comments on the government's handling of the tragic incident.
Vijayan, without directly naming Chandrashekhar, characterized the Union Minister's remarks as being driven by a "communal agenda."
Responding to Vijayan's insinuation of communalism, Rajeev Chandrasekhar retorted, "To accuse me of promoting communalism, or to suggest that our party does anything other than safeguard the interests of every Indian, is a falsehood. He (Pinarayi Vijayan) is spreading falsehoods. If the absence of connections with organizations like SDPI, PFI, and Hamas is the benchmark for being labeled non-communal, I proudly affirm that no member of the BJP has any affiliations with SDPI, PFI, or Hamas."
Chandrasekhar also commented on reports of a Hamas leader allegedly participating in a virtual rally organized by the Solidarity Youth Movement in Kerala's Malappuram. He asserted, "The actions of Hamas are widely known to anyone who reads the news today. The Indian government does not need to proscribe Hamas. Any informed individual is aware of Hamas' actions over the last ten days – including acts of violence against children and beheadings. This isn't a matter of legislation; it's a matter of common sense. The issue of radicalization is not a recent development; it has persisted since 1997."
The explosions occurred at a convention center belonging to a Christian group in Kalamassery, Kerala, resulting in the tragic deaths of three individuals and injuring 52 others. Preliminary investigations revealed that the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED).
A man by the name of Dominic Martin claimed responsibility for the blasts and surrendered to the police in Thrissur. However, the police have not yet confirmed his involvement in the incident.
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