BJP accuses govt of having casual approach on terror

Says despite having advance information that Hyderabad could be target of possible terror attack, govt did nothing

Accusing the government of having a casual approach on the issue of terror, BJP today said it "failed" to take effective steps to prevent blasts in Hyderabad.

"The government's response is not adequate to the burning issue of terrorism. Government is taking it in a casual and usual manner," BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu told reporters outside Parliament.

"This is a very serious issue. Series of bomb blasts are happening and especially in Hyderabad and the government is unable to take any effective step. Information is received that National Investigation Agency had mentioned Hyderabad, Bangalore, Maharashtra and other areas where there was possibility of such blasts," he said.

The BJP leader said NIA had given this information two days ago, which was confirmed by Home minister Sushilkumar Shinde himself.

"It is a serious issue and the government is not prepared to discuss the issue. We want MPs to express their views and then Home Minister should give his statement," he said.

Criticising Shinde for going to to Hyderabad today, Naidu said, "The Home Minister should have gone to Hyderabad yesterday itself after the incident and should have come back in the morning today. Government is ignoring Parliament."

The BJP leader charged, "The Home Minister is changing his stand very often. First he said there were intelligence reports on possible terror attack and later said there were no specific inputs."

Naidu said there was advance information that Hyderabad could have been the target of possible terror attack. "But despite the information, government did not take any steps to prevent it."

"Terror groups like (Indian) Mujaheedin and LeT had publicly stated they will avenge the hanging of Ajmal Kasab and Afzal Guru. Special Cell of Delhi Police has also said terrorists have done recce of Dilsukhnagar in Hyderabad."

"So what specific inputs do they want?" he asked.

"It seems government policy is condolence for the dead and compensation for the injured victims. But this will not serve the purpose. We are asking the government to make its stand on the issue clear."

On the proposed NCTC Bill, he said, "Government should have the will. Will is required not the Bill now."

He said terrorism is an issue that concerns the whole nation so States and Centre should work together to get the facts and find who is behind this.