Advani, Rajnath cut short suraksha yatra, airdash to Mumbai

New Delhi, Apr 22 (UNI) Senior BJP leader L K Advani and party president Rajnath Singh, on hearing about party General Secretary Pramod Mahajan being shot at, today cut short their respective Bharat Suraksha Yatras and rushed to Mumbai.

Mr Mahajan was shot at close range by his brother Pravin early this morning.

As soon as the news reached them this morning, Mr Advani, who was in Chhattisgarh, suspended his yatra.

Mr Singh, in Uttar Pradesh, also airdashed to Mumbai, party sources said.

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was said to be 'sad' on hearing the news and was keeping in touch with party leaders in Mumbai on the latest condition of Mr Mahajan.

Senior leader Venkaia Naidu along with other leaders, who are in the midst of election campaign in Tamil Nadu and and Kerala, have also rushed to Mumbai.

The incident has shocked political circles in Mumbai and Delhi.

It took place at Mahajan's residence at 'Poorna' building in Worli, Central Mumbai.

He was operated upon at Hinduja hospital.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has expressed concern over the incident and wished Mr Mahajan a speedy recovery.

UNI KAS/PMD AK RS1230