VENKITESH RAMAKRISHNAN in New Delhi

IMMEDIATE political reactions to the terror attack in Mumbai revolved around one word: unity. Initially, leaders of all political parties said repeatedly that the issue of terrorism was beyond petty politicking and that politicians of all hues would “stand united in this hour of crisis”. But the assurances did not last even 24 hours. By the time the battle of the security forces against the terrorists had entered the second day, the two mainstream political parties of the country, the ruling Congress and the principal opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), were engaged in a war of words.

Diverse instruments of propaganda, including public statements, newspaper advertisements and announcements about rewards to security personnel, were used in this political war. At one level, the propaganda contest reflected not only the rivalry between the two parties but also a struggle for prominence within the BJP. (Full Story from Frontline)