THE PARLIAMENT session convened on Thursday to discuss methods to tackle terrorism was one, where everyone spoke in one voice. Realisation has finally dawned that terrorism is a national subject and cannot be swept under the carpet. The problem very much exists and can be countered only by the combined efforts of one and all.

On his visit to Andhra Pradesh on November 27, 2008, after the Mumbai bomb blasts, Rahul Gandhi said: "This is the time to remain united to face the challenge of terrorism." He claimed that the  terrorists wanted to divide the country, but people and the government should face up to their challenge and thwart their evil designs. Gandhi said that when he landed at the local airport, was told to cancel his public meetings, but he decided that the need of the hour was to be with the people and offer condolences to those who had been killed or injured in Mumbai terror strike.

In Parliament, while participating in a debate on the November 26 terrorist strike, Rahul Gandhi told the Lok Sabha, “The terrorist attack on Mumbai is an attack on the whole nation. It is an attack on the idea of India. It is an attack on all of us, it is an attack on the freedom of our people. … It is a new kind of warfare against India. Terrorists view and attack us as their enemies. We must also respond as one. Fight against terrorism is a national priority and we must put the nation first…. We can fight terrorism only if we believe that every Indian life is worth fighting for. The central thing to change is how we view the life of an ordinary people.”

On the subject of politicisation of police forces, he said: “As a young politician, I would like to say that for the interest of the country, we must desist from it. Also, that for the interest of common people, we must stop interfering in the working of these institutions.”

“People from every region and every religion have raised their voice for those who lost their lives in the Mumbai terror attack. I am sure we will win the fight against terrorism,” Gandhi stated.

Rahul Gandhi earned appreciation from none other the Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee for his thoughts. People might read a lot into this but she has admitted what others also admit, albeit secretly.