New Delhi: Crackers burst, ladoos flew and slogans echoed from the walls of the Ashok Raod BJP headquarters in the Capital to celebrate the successful nuclear tests. Party president Kushabhao Thakre had to walk up to the crowd of party supporters at the gate to swallow a mouthful of sweets, take the greetings and pose before television cameras.

"The entire nation is united behind the government, it is a moment of pride in the life of the nation," he said. Party general secretary M Venkaiah Naidu told newspersons that a call had been given to celebrate "the hour of glory" across the country. "This is not a party issue, people want to take part in the jubilation, it's a rare moment of national pride," he said