Expressing deep concern following the twin explosions at a Kerala prayer hall that claimed one life and caused multiple injuries, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and prominent BJP leader, V Muraleedharan, conveyed his shock and distress. In a statement from Thiruvananthapuram, he emphasized the troubling trend of his home state evolving into a potential hotbed for incidents that could be classified as acts of terrorism.
In response to the Sunday blasts, Muraleedharan discussed the gravity of the situation, stating, “I was shocked to learn of the bomb blasts at a convention center during a prayer meeting of the Christian community. It is disturbing to note that Kerala is becoming a hotbed of incidents bordering on terrorist acts.” He highlighted that Home Minister Amit Shah had already engaged with the Kerala Chief Minister, and he himself had a telephonic conversation with the CM.
The Union Minister further indicated that central agencies had initiated an investigation into the incident. He expressed confidence that these agencies would uncover the responsible parties and shed light on the motivations behind the incident. Muraleedharan also emphasized that the central government would await the results of the investigation before determining the next course of action. “I would like to appeal to the state government to provide all sorts of medical assistance to the injured,” he added. BJP leader Anil Antony accused the Kerala government of having close ties with terrorist organizations, insinuating collaboration. He emphasized that his party vehemently condemned the incident. Also speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, the Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly and state Congress president, VD Satheesan, said, “I was told that there were two blasts and there was a fire. Initially, there was a major blast while the second one was a minor one. One woman died and 25 others were injured. The injured are currently in hospital. Six of the injured persons are in the ICU. Around 2,000 people were present in the prayer hall when the incident took place.”
