Explosion of blame game after Delhi blast

New Delhi: Another blast and another reminder by the Opposition that this Government isn't doing enough on terror. Within minutes of the news of the blast, BJP's chief minister-hopeful, Vijay Kumar Malhotra reaches the narrow Mehrauli lane where a crude bomb exploded on Saturday afternoon.

The South Delhi MP repeated what he and his party have been saying for more than a year - that India needs a different home minister.

"The Home Minister must resign ," V K Malhotra said.

With one more blast within a fortnight, North Bloc is now in a panic mode. Home Minister, Shivraj Patil was too shaken to reveal much.

"I will ask the officers to brief you," Patil told reporters.

Immediately after the blasts, Shivraj Patil arrived for a meeting, not in the ministry he presides over, but in the South Bloc. He had been summoned by the Minister for External Affairs, Pranab Mukherjee.

Taking charge, Pranab Mukherjee tried to send out the signal that the Government is in control and means business.

"The Government is determined to wean out the culprits," Mukherjee said.

His words may have been strong, but the BJP believes they won't instill confidence because blasts are taking place even after the encounter in Delhi and the busting of a module. It's now Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who is under tremendous pressure, because her government is going to the polls in less than three months.

"We will give a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of the dead and Rs 50,000 plus all costs of treatment for those who have been injured," Sheila Dikshit said.

For the ruling coalition, every blast gives the BJP an opportunity to underline the campaign plank of terror. And if there is more bloodshed during the run-up to the polls, the next general elections may be more about terror than any other issue.

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