AP Govt policies led to Naxal attack in Chattisgarh: Venkaiah

Hyderabad, July 30 (UNI) Former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President and Rajya Sabha Member Venkaiah Naidu today criticised the the Andhra Pradesh government and previous Congress government in Chhattisgarh, for their lenient policy towards naxals and said it was the reason behind the Naxal massacre in the state.

Speaking to reporters here, Mr Naidu said the present Chhattisgarh government could not be blamed for the attack on tribals in Erraboru village in Dantewada district.

He said both the government and the Opposition Congress in Chhattisgarh were now supporting Salwa Judum movement, which was against naxals. ''The Government is also adopting a two-pronged approach to tackle Naxalism in the state'', he added.

Mr Naidu alleged that due to the wrong policies of the previous Ajit Jogi Government in Chhattisgarh, and the present Government in Andhra Pradesh, the naxal attack took place.

Though, the Andhra Pradesh government initiated peace-talks in 2004, it was lenient towards naxals. During this period the Naxals strengthened their base in Chhattisgarh, he said.

Referring to the Naxal menace, Mr Naidu said it was not a socio-economic problem as mentioned by some governments in the country. He said the issue is political, as Naxals were resorting to violence to come to power.

Mr Naidu said the Centre should take lead in solving the problem and coordinate effectively with the affected states.

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