Politicking has begun over 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab’s execution, with both Congress and the BJP attempting to score political brownie points.

While the Congress is trying to go on the front foot, emphasising that the execution invalidates the opposition’s charge that the UPA is a soft government, the BJP tried to put the ruling party on the mat by calling it a case of delayed justice. In a bid to go on the offensive the main opposition also urged the government to play a more proactive role by going after terror handlers across the border and also carrying out Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru’s conviction.

Within hours of Kasab’s hanging, Milind Deora, Congress MP from South Mumbai, the ground zero of the 72-hour terror attack starting November 26, 2008, and minister of state for information technology, tweeted: “So much for the right-wing sponsored ‘Congress is soft on terror’ debate! The Government's actions make me a prouder Indian.”

Almost as if in reply, BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain said: "Better late than never. Kasab's hanging will act as a balm on the wounds of people of Mumbai but their wounds are still fresh. They will get relief only when Kasab's handlers across the border are brought to justice."

Upping the ante on the UPA government, Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “What about Afzal Guru, who attacked Parliament, our temple of democracy, in 2001? That offence predates Kasab's heinous act by many years.”

Inadvertently or not, the reply came from senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh’s tweet: “Finally Kasab hanged. GOI should pursue the case of the Handlers in Pakistan. Afzal Guru's case should also be expedited now.”

Stressing that Kasab's execution will serve as a warning to his bosses across the border, BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said, “This hanging sends a strong message to India's enemies.”

Staying off his usual ready wit, Rashtriya Janata Dal president Lalu Prasad Yadav said, “Kasab's crime was established in the court of law and justice was accordingly served. Bad deeds will lead to a bad outcome.”

The survivors of Mumbai attack four years ago also endorsed government’s decision of hanging Kasab. Amrita Raichand, one of many 26/11 survivors, said, “I am so happy…I am jumping up and down! That fear has never gone for four years. Finally there is some closure -- and there is some hope for the future and in our government.”

K. Unnikrishnan, father of NSG commando Major Sandeep, who died fighting the terrorists during the Mumbai attacks, said, “I have said in the past during emotional moments that he (Kasab) should be hanged by the lamppost. But today I say it is done. This is one step (but) surely this is not a closure for us. The investigation must continue and the other culprits should be booked by Pakistan, more than by India.”