Hyderabad blasts rock Parliament

New Delhi, Feb 22: The twin blasts in Hyderabad rocked both Houses of Parliament today with opposition members attacking the government for alleged lapses in matters of internal security.

As soon as the Lok Sabha met, Speaker Meira Kumar made an obituary reference to the victims of the blasts in which several persons were killed and a large number injured.

"The House unequivocally condemns this barbaric and cowardly act of terrorism," Kumar said.

Members stood in silence for a while as a mark of respect to the departed.

Moments later the House plunged into chaos as BJP members raised slogans, attacking the government for alleged lapses on matters of internal security.

Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, who rushed to Hyderabad this morning, is expected to make a statement in the Lok Sabha at 2:00 pm.

TDP members were seen waving copies of Telugu newspapers carrying reports of the Hyderabad blasts.

CPI(M) members were protesting alleged atrocities on its activists during the two-day strike against the government's "anti-labour" policies.

DMK members were in the Well waving photographs of LTTE chief V Prabhakaran's 12-year-old son, who was allegedly shot dead by Sri Lankan forces.

As the din continued, the Speaker adjourned the House till noon.

Rajya Sabha too witnessed uproar over the blasts with Opposition members on their feet.

As soon as the House met for the day, Chairman Hamid Ansari mentioned the twin blasts and condemned the dastardly attack in the strongest possible terms.

The House then observed silence as a mark of respect to the departed.

Ansari said he has received notices from members wanting a discussion on the issue and a time would be fixed for a proper debate.

But M Venkaiah Naidu (BJP) wanted a discussion on the issue immediately, a demand supported by Opposition benches. SP, BSP, TDP and JU(U) members too demanded an immediate discussion and a statement by the government on the issue.

AIADMK members tried to raise the issue of Tamils in Sri Lanka.

Minister of State for Home Affairs RPN Singh said Shinde was in Hyderabad and would make a statement in the House at 1430 hours.

This did not pacify the members who continued to persist with their demand.

With members unrelenting, Ansari adjourned the House till noon. It was further adjourned till 1430 hours.

PTI