Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde on Tuesday refused to respond to BJP leaders’ allegations on the role of certain Congress leaders in the Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district. “NIA is investigating the case. When enquiry is going on, anybody can make allegations. Actual investigation is going on, as and when the investigation is completed, it will be known. The political accusation has no meaning,” he said.
Home Minister also downplayed Gujarat Chief Minister Narenda Modi’s criticism about including Naxal-linked persons in NAC and Planning Commission. “Modi just makes allegations. He speaks and goes away. People from all walks of life represent NAC,” said Shinde without much elaboration.
Shinde rejected Modi’s demand for a ‘white paper’ on internal security and said the Government was following a two-pronged strategy of development and offensive action to tackle Naxalism.
“Modi is Chief Minister for nine years. He has been attending it (conference of internal security) every year. He should understand the gravity of Naxalism as he is just on the border of Maharashtra (which is affected by Naxalism). I don’t think any white paper is required on it,” he told reporters during his monthly Press conference here.
The Home Minister evaded questions on criticism of Delhi Police on the wrong arrest of surrendered militant liyaqat and slapping MCOCA on cricketers and bookies.
The Home Minister also said the Centre will provide required paramilitary forces for security during panchayat polls in West Bengal.
“It (forces) will be given to them. I have spoken to the Chief Minister (Mamata Banerjee) and asked her that she should give a proposal to the Chief Secretary and the Chief Secretary will talk to Home Secretary. I have already spoken to the Home Secretary asking him to give paramilitary forces (to West Bengal),” he added.