Patil, who reviewed the situation soon after the blasts which claimed several lives, said the need of the hour was to ensure that their aims did not succeed and the situation was not allowed to deteriorate.

He appealed to the people to check rumour mongering and act with courage so that social harmony was not disturbed.

While condemning the blasts, he expressed sympathies with the families of those killed and prayed for speedy recovery of the injured.

Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit and senior police officials were present at the review meeting.

Dikshit appeals for calm

Soon after the series of bomb blasts rocked the national capital this evening, Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit appealed the people to maintain peace and calm at this crucial hour.

"We must keep calm and peace at this moment of hour otherwise those behind this sinister attack will get the impression that they have succeeded in their aim," Dikshit said.

Terming them as the enemies of the nation, she said we should show our courage to face the situation and should not panic.

Condemning the blasts as a sheer cowardly act, Dikshit said the situation should not go out of hand otherwise it would be victory for those who are responsible for the blasts.

"The act of violence will not be tolerated and the accused will be brought to the book within the ambit of law," Dikshit said.

We as a government are here to help the people in need. We will try our best to adequately compensate families of the victims and bear all the medical expenses of the injured, the Chief Minister added.

We have called an urgent cabinet meeting on Sunday to discuss the medical and monetary help to be given to the victims of bomb blasts.