Deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal was the first minister to reach Taj Mahal Hotel on November 26 last year. “I wanted people to know that the government was working and it had the situation under control,” he said. Excerpts from the interview:
How did you come to know of the attacks?
I saw a news flash on TV that there had been some firing near Leopold Cafe. Initially I thought it was a fight between Shiv Sainiks and Abu Azmi. After some time I realised something was seriously wrong. I took my revolver and stepped out of the home. I had a gut feeling that something big had happened and I should rush to help people.
What did you do next?
I asked RR Patil (he was the home minister then) about the firing. I went to his home and told him that I wanted to visit the places where firing was going on. I asked him to accompany me. He told me that the police had asked him not to step out as a precaution measure. I tried to convince him that we should at least visit the office of the director general of police. After discussing the matter for 15 minutes, I told him that I would go. ‘You carry on. I will catch you later’, he told me.
What happened at the DGP’s office?
I left for the DGP’s office with Vijaydada (Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil). Till that time, Kasab and his aide had not reached Nariman Point. He was caught by Tukaram Omble some time after we crossed the area. AN Roy was in the DGP’s office. He briefed me about the happenings. I told Roy to plan properly and seek additional force. The weapons of the policemen are sometimes kept at various police stations. I discussed it with Roy.
What did you see at the Taj?
I reached the Taj from the DGP’s office. Around that time Sameer (his nephew) called me to say that the terrorists were holed up on the sixth floor. I was familiar with the area because I had been to the sixth floor several times. I explained the layout to the policemen. I saw the media reporting the attack. There were a few women reporters too. I asked myself why I should be scared when the press was not scared of the attack. After all I was a minister.
I was standing just 300 metre from the spot near the Taj where the terrorists had kept an 8kg RDX bomb. The Fire Brigade was working. Marcos had arrived. The terrorists were hurling grenades.
Do you think you were brave?
I will not say I was brave and the others were coward. The chief minister was away in Kerala. I felt it was my duty to visit the places that had been attacked.
I wanted people to know that the government was working and it had the situation under control. I wanted to send out a message.
What did you do next?
I spoke to the media and announced that schools and colleges would be closed the next day. I was in no position to speak on the action against terrorists because I had no idea about their next move —whether they would continue with the strikes or start bargaining. I again went to the DGP’s office. By that time the chief secretary had called the NSG.
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