Terror challenge to be met head on: Manmohan

However, in the process of fighting terror, no one would be allowed to target any community, Congress media department head M Veerappa Moily quoted the Prime Minister as saying.

In his speech, the Prime Minister referred to the communal violence in Orissa and said the government had implemented 8220;inclusive programmes8221; for the development of all downtrodden sections of society. Singh said the unity and integrity of the country would be protected at all costs.

Cong condemns blast

Congress condemned the serial blasts in Delhi, saying the UPA government would go all out to tackle the terrorist menace.

8220;This is a heinous crime by terrorists. The AICC strongly condemns it and the government will firmly deal with the terrorists. We will not allow this to go on,8221; party8217;s media department chief M Veerappa Moily told reporters here soon after the blasts.

He said Congress President Sonia Gandhi has conveyed her heartfelt grief and assured all help to the victims.

Manmohan condemns blasts

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh strongly condemned the serial blasts in the national capital this evening and appealed to the people to maintain calm He expressed grief over the loss of lives in blasts, a PMO spokesman said.

Blasts a war against nation: BJP

The BJP said on Saturday that the serial blasts in Delhi was a 8220;war8221; against the country and demanded revival of tough anti-terror law POTA.

Describing the blasts as a 8220;cowardly act8221;, senior BJP leader V K Malhotra said 8220;it is like a war has been waged against the country. There were many warnings but the government ignored them. POTA should be immediately revived to tackle the situation8221;.

He appealed to the people to maintain peace and donate blood to help the injured.

Speaker condemns blast

Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee strongly condemned the serial blasts in the capital and expressed grief at the loss of lives.

Chatterjee expressed strong indignation at the explosions and sent his heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved families.

Mindless violence

President Pratibha Patil said on Saturday that the serial blasts in the national capital were a 8220;mindless act of violence8221; and appealed to the people to maintain peace.

Patil condoled the loss of lives in the explosions and described the incident as a 8220;mindless act of violence8221;, a Rastrapati Bhavan statement said.

The President has been grieved by the tragic turn of events, it said. Patil also wished the speedy recovery to those injured in the blasts.