Congress leaders deplore Ahmedabad blast

Ahmedabad, Jul 28 (UNI) Gujarat Congress President Siddharth Patel and Rajya Sabha member from the state Ahmed Patel condemned the serial blasts in Ahmedabad, which claimed at least 15 lives.

Mr Siddharth Patel said it was a crime against humanity, adding that law and order was state government's responsibility. ''It should have taken precautionary measures following yesterday's blasts in Bangalore,'' he said.

He charged that law and order situation in the state has been deteriorating and appealed to the people to maintain peace.

While condemning the blasts, Mr Ahmed Patel said it was a sad incident. ''Terrorists are enemies of humanity and such type of violence is not approved by any religion or society,'' he said, adding that this was not the time to do politics.

However, BJP State President Purshottam Rupala, while blaming the Centre, said non-clearance of Gujarat Control of organised crime act by the Centre has weaken the law enforcement in the state.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Assembly speaker Ashok Bhatt condemned the blasts and appealed to people to maintain calm. Mr Bhatt, who is now in America attending a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference, is rushing back to home by curtailing his US tour.

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