A series of bomb blasts on February 14, 1998 in Coimbatore proved to be a significant turning point in the career of C.P. Radhakrishnan, the BJP-led NDA’s Vice-Presidential candidate. The explosions occurred at various locations, including near a rally that was to be addressed by BJP leader L.K. Advani, just before the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections. The blasts claimed 58 lives.
The blasts, orchestrated by Al-Umma — a radical Islamist organisation born in the aftermath of the Babri Masjid demolition — had polarised the political terrain of the city. Founded by S.A. Basha in 1993, Al-Umma had previously targeted the RSS office in Chennai, resulting in the deaths of 11 people. The Coimbatore blasts turned the tide in favour of the BJP, which was then part of the AIADMK alliance.
