Politics over 26/11: Advani and Pranab in a Verbal Duel in Lok Sabha

New Delhi: Breaking News! While the nation remembers the innocent people and martyrs, who died in 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks a year ago, politicians in India are busy in the blame game over the issue of relief and rehabilitation for 26/11 victims. Leader of Opposition LK Advani and senior Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee engaged in a war-of-words in Lok Sabha today.

LK Advani raised the issue during zero hour. He alleged that only 118 out of 403 persons eligible for relief, received cheques so far. He also presented the fact that only 32 out of 64 eligible people got railway job offers so far.

Advani asked the Home Ministry to coordinate the relief and rehabilitation efforts. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee got angry at this revelation and accused the BJP of playing politics over 26/11.

"You are making politics out of this. Earlier also you did it and were paid back. ... You will be again paid back in your own coin", said an angry Pranab Mukherjee. The BJP MPs led by Ananth Kumar took strong exception to Pranab;s outburst and Speaker Meira Kumar had to step in.

"Today is a very solemn day. We paid our condolences and passed a resolution (on 26/11)", said Meira Kumar to pacify the agitating MPs in the House.