BJP, Sena protest in Lok Sabha against Mumbai violence

The recent outbreak of violence in Mumbai had its echo in the Lok Sabha on Monday with Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party members storming the Well, protesting the "total failure" of the Maharashtra government to check it.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Shiv Sena leader Anant Geete condemned the incidents of "fanatic youths" attacking the police and the media and even damaging a martyrs' memorial in Azad Maidan.

Asking why permission was granted by the state government to the Raza Academy and Awami Vikas Party to hold the rally, he alleged that the state government was caught unawares about the large number of people converging for the meet.

"Didn't the Intelligence Bureau know in advance that such a thing is going to happen? It is the total failure of the Maharashtra government," he said.

As Geete spoke, Shiv Sena and BJP members stormed the Well, demanding a statement from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Shiv Sena members waved copies of the party mouthpiece Saamna, which spoke of the violence caused by "fanatic jihadis".

The situation worsened as Congress member Sanjay Nirupam, supported by his party colleagues, sought to defend the Maharashtra government.

This prompted Inder Singh Namdhari, who was in the Chair, to adjourn the House ahead of the lunch recess.