Parliament condemns Delhi blast

Both the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday condemned the bomb blast in the Delhi High Court complex during the day, with members, cutting across party lines, strongly disapproving of this terror act that happened just a few kilometres away from the Parliament complex.

They expressed sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims and to the injured and asked the government to be firm and bring the culprits to book at the earliest.

Both the Houses were initially adjourned by the respective presiding officers for Home Minister P. Chidambaram to gather information and make a statement on the blast. While the Lok Sabha was adjourned till 12.30 p.m. the Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2 p.m.

Disturbing, says Ansari

While Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari described the blast “disturbing,” Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar termed it a “dastardly act.” After Mr. Chidambaram's statement, the Houses were adjourned for the day. Prior to that some other business was transacted.

Earlier, condemning the incident in the Lok Sabha, senior BJP member L.K. Advani said he was saddened that the capital had been attacked again. He wanted the government to press all its agencies to nail the culprits speedily. The terrorists had attacked Delhi just a few days before the anniversary of the 9/11 attack in the U.S. about 10 years ago and wondered whether there was any link.

Basudeb Acharia (CPI-M) termed the blast a “disturbing act” and said two explosions had occurred at the same spot within four months. The entire country should stand united and resolve to fight terrorism.

“Terrorists have no religion. They are out to divide and destabilise the nation. There is a need for united action against them,” he said.

Mulayam Singh (SP) slammed the attitude of looking with suspicion at a particular group whenever terrorists strike. “It should stop. It is dangerous. It has happened several times and still continues.” He alleged that some foreign nationals enter India undetected, carry out the terror act and escape.

Sharad Yadav (JD-U) said the blast had happened a few km away from Parliament despite all precautions taken by the government. The nation would not succumb to such terror acts but face the challenge head-on, he said. He urged the government to consult experienced leaders on how to tackle such terrorist threats.

Dara Singh Chauhan (BSP), Anant Geet (Shiv Sena), T.K.S. Elangovan (DMK), M. Thambidurai (AIADMK) and Harsimrat Kaur Badal (Shiromoni Akali Dal) condemned the blast and wanted the government to take firm action against the culprits.

In the Rajya Sabha, Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley expressed his concern and anger at the “kind of helpless situation” wherein terrorists could strike at will. He said the guilty should be brought to book and subsequent actions should be such that these act as deterrent.

S.C. Mishra (BSP) wanted the entire nation to stand united to face the challenge and fight against such terrorist forces.

Zero tolerance

Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) said “zero tolerance” that was repeatedly talked about “should come into action” so that there was deterrence.

D. Raja (CPI) wanted a strong message to be given that India could never be weakened by terrorists and hoped the government would take adequate measures.