Patil removal: Problem not of individual but of system, says PM

On Board Prime Minister's Special Aircraft, Oct 1 (UNI) Virtually ruling out replacing Home Minister Shivraj Patil over the recent terrorist incidents in the country, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said it was not the question of one individual, but of the system and there was a need for improving various mechanisms which are in place to counter terrorism.

''I think we are dealing with a difficult situation. It is not a question of one individual,, it is a question of the system and we have problems...and we need to improve our various mechanisms which are in place to counter terrorism,'' ' the Prime Minister told reporters on board Air India One while returning from a two-nation visit to US and France.

Asked if it was the Prime Minister's prerogative, Dr Singh said ''It is certainly true it is the prerogative of the Prime Minister but I have to take into account the totality of interests, totality of concerns and whatever will be done will be done in the interest of our country.'' To a question on the expansion of the Union Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister said ''you will hear about it if it takes place.'' UNI RB RP AS1716