BJP not supporting fight against Maoists: Shivraj Patil

NEW STRATEGY: Center is looking for quick and effective ways to counter Maoists threat.

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New Delhi: The Center is looking for quick and effective ways to counter the threat posed by the Maoists and the Union Minister for Home Affairs Shivraj Patil says they want to make constitutional changes to give to have special powers to handle the Maoist violence. But he adds that the Opposition is not keen on the move.

"If I have to amend the Constitution, and I have to send my forces, I shall have to get it passed by two-thirds majority, and half of State legislatures, only then it happens," Patil says.

Karan Thapar: Absolutely. But you would have that majority, the BJP would support you, the state governments would support you.

Shivraj Patil: No, I don't think BJP will support it. You ask the BJP government yourself - they have said no. This matter was discussed on the floor of the house, and the former home minister expressed his views, others expressed their views. I said that in certain circumstances when it becomes absolutely necessary it will be helpful for the Government of India to take action in certain areas rather than taking action in the entirety. But because of the constitutional provision, it can't be done. And I did say that this would be useful. But we are not going to do it unless and until the consensus develops.

Watch the full interview with Home Minister Shivraj Patil at 2030 hrs IST on Sunday (February 17) on Devil's Advocate only on CNN-IBN.

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