Date:31/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/31/stories/2008103155361200.htm

National

Conspiracy to divide country: Vajpayee

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Thursday’s serial bomb blasts in Assam evoked a sharp reaction across the political spectrum with the Bharatiya Janata Party charging the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance with total failure in tackling terrorism.

The Congress condemned the “mindless and heinous crime perpetuated by those who are inimical to our country.” It expressed surprise at the BJP blaming some groups even before investigations began.

Describing the blasts as a “heinous crime against humanity,” the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee said these incidents appeared to be a conspiracy to divide the country. “All of us have to fight this challenge collectively,” he said in a statement.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) said the blasts once again exposed the failure of the intelligence and security apparatus, and asked both the Centre and the Congress government in Assam to immediately correct the lapses.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha L.K. Advani said the the blasts added to the sense of insecurity among the people. He said it was likely that the blasts were the handiwork of illegal Bangladeshis.

BJP president Rajnath Singh echoed similar views, while the former External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh said the incidents were a “cumulative consequence of decades of rape of the State.” He said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who represents Assam in Parliament, had double responsibility.

Blaming the Assam government, Janata Dal (United) president Sharad Yadav found fault also with the UPA government for not making strong laws to deal with terrorism.

VHP to protest

Demanding imposition of President’s Rule in Assam, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad announced that it would stage a dharna and hold silent march all over the country on Friday. It would observe Assam bandh on Saturday.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi said she was extremely distressed and saddened to know about the blasts. “Terror shows its ugly face once again in our country and we should unitedly combat this menace in a sustained and comprehensive manner.” While condemning the blasts, she called upon the authorities to immediately provide relief to survivors and the families of victims.

Expressing surprise at Mr. Advani’s reaction, Congress spokesman Manish Tewari said it was paradoxical that even before investigations began someone as responsible as the former Deputy Prime Minister should have come to a conclusion.

Mr. Tewari said there was uncanny coincidence with what Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi said hours after the Delhi blasts that he had cautioned the Home Minister of such events.