Advani was in Mumbai to celebrate 20th anniversary of Bharatiya Sindhu Sabha - a Mumbai-based organisation of Sindhi community. As Advani spoke in Sindhi during the programme, scribes requested him to address a press conference later.

``All that I can say is that the Bihar incident brings to the fore the basic issue of good governance. The situation in Bihar is a challenge for all political parties. The issue is not the increased crime in Bihar but the state government's patronage and protection to crime. I know my limitations, but everything will be done according to the constitutional framework to restore normalcy in the state. All help will be providedby the Union Government in this matter,'' said Advani.

The Home Minister launched a frontal attack on the Congress for its reversal of stand on Bihar and said the Congress has lost its credibility in last few weeks over the episode. ``While imposing the President's rule in Bihar, we were conscious that if the Congress does not support the decision in the Parliament, a dismissed government will be back to power. But the decision was based on official declaration of the Congress that the Bihar government has lost moral right to rule. The latest massacre in Bihar should make the Congress introspect. Unfortunately, during last three weeks of parliamentary session, the Congress has not only been confused but also chaotic. They are unable to think in a rational manner,'' the Home Minister said.

He then praised Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee saying the country has emerged stronger under Vajpayee's leadership and added that the government has overcome all fears of isolation by European countries, economicsanctions and a ban on investment by foreign industrialists after nuclear tests in 1998. On the Bhagwat issue, Advani said there was no need to appoint a Joint Parliamentary Committee.

Dawood extradition

Commenting on the extradition of Dawood Ibrahim, Advani said response from Pakistan and Dubai was not very encouraging. The State Government has been requesting the Centre to take up the issue so that the Mumbai police could arrest Dawood at the earliest. ``We have been pursuing the matter over a period of time but there is no adequate response,'' Advani said.