Assam riots: Protest in Lok Sabha over violence in Mumbai

NEW DELHI: The violence in Mumbai following a rally to denounce riots in Assam had its echo in the Lok Sabha today with Shiv Sena and BJP members storming the well protesting the "total failure" of 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 as to 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, warning that if not checked, the Mumbai incidents had the potential to spread in other places.

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

The situation worsened as Congress member Sanjay Nirupam, supported by his party colleagues, sought to defend the Maharashtra government. This made Inder Singh Namdhari, who was in the Chair, to adjourn the House ahead of the lunch recess.