New Delhi:
Around 250 suspected Naxals in civilian clothes struck a convoy of Congress leaders, killing at least 25 people. Congress leader Mahendra Karma was killed and former union minister VC Shukla was critically injured. Chhattisgarh Congress chief Nand Kumar Patel, who was missing, was found dead today.
Below are reactions by some prominent leaders on the incident:
Pranab Mukherjee, President of India:
Deeply dismayed at the wanton attack of the Maoists. Want to reiterate violence has no place in democratic polity. Nation will neither be overawed nor intimidated by such action.
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Read: full statement)
Statement from CPI(M):
The Chattisgarh government is answerable for the reported lack of security arrangements for the yatra. On one hand the BJP government allows the killing of innocent tribals which happened last week in the name of fighting the Maoists and on the other hand it utterly fails to protect legitimate democratic activities in the state.
Sonia Gandhi, Congress President:It is an attack on democratic values which need to be condemned by not only political parties, but society as a whole.
Rahul Gandhi, Congress Vice-President:It is not an attack on Congress, it is an attack on democracy. But, we'll not fear from such an attack and continue to move forward with enthusiasm.
Statement from Prime Minister's Office: Prime Minister condemns the attack on Congress leaders in Chhattisgarh as a dastardly and anti-democratic act.
Umesh Patel, one of the sons of senior Congress leader Nand Kumar Patel:I appeal to the Naxals to release my father and brother.
Rajnath Singh, BJP President: I strongly condemn the attack. Everyone should stand united against naxalism and terrorism.
Narendra Modi, Gujarat Chief Minister:The need of the hour is to stand together as a nation and vow to fight this menace that threatens our democracy.
Sushma Swaraj, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha:
It is shocking and most unfortunate. We condemn this outright.
Ajit Jogi, Senior Congress leader:I am very sad. No arrangements for police security was done. A bandh should be declared in Chhattisgarh tomorrow. Our Congress people should bring the city to standstill. I request PM Manmohan Singh that there is no remedy and President's Rule must be imposed and we must take on the naxalites head on
Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister:The attack has exposed the ugly face of Naxalism. It is an attack on the Indian political system," the Chief Minister said, expressing shock at the dastardly act. By attacking in this manner Naxalites would not be able to weaken the people's confidence and their morale.
Nirmala Sitharaman, BJP spokesperson:Shocking brazen attack by naxals on Congress party convoy in Bastar area. Condemn the outrage. Attack against our constitutional rights.
Derek O'Brien, Trinamool Congress leader:Terrible news of the Maoist massacre in Chhattisgarh. This is a national issue, beyond party politics. Thoughts with the bereaved families.
Digvijaya Singh, Congress general secretary:Strongly condemn the Naxalite attack on Congress Leaders. I have lost friends and colleagues with whom I have worked very closely.
LK Advani, BJP leader:Everyone should work together to combat this (Maoists) menace, ensure victory.
Kapil Sibal, Union Minister:The issue of inadequate security and intelligence failure will come up. But the matter will be investigated and those responsible will be brought to book. The government has failed in protecting legitimate political activity and has brought into question the whole security issue.