Chidambaram assures full safety for politicians during elections

New Delhi, Apr 2 (ANI): Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Thursday assured an up-to-mark security for the politicians in the run up to the general elections.

Talking to reporters here today, Chidambaram said, "There is no need for any panic. There is no need for any alarm...We have deployed enough security forces in the run up to the elections. We have taken all measures that are required to ensure polling takes place peacefully."

Chidambaram, on Wednesday, had written to Chief Ministers of all the states to provide adequate security for nearly two dozen VVIPs during the period of the upcoming general elections.

The Home Ministry's message, written on March 27, has come in the wake of intelligence reports revealing that terrorists may attack prominent leaders in the course of the elections.

Dismissing the rumours that some women jihadis have entered India on a suicide mission, Chidambaram urged the media to concentrate on more important issues like coastal security, communal harmony and peace.

However, he acknowledged the deteriorating security situation in South Asia due to the recent terrorist activities.

"The security situation in South Asia has deteriorated. Thus we have to be on our guard," cautioned Chidambaram.

Talking about the perceived terror threat on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Varun Gandhi, Chidambaram said that the outcry on security threat on him was a mere "exaggeration".

Chidambaram, however, was quick to criticise the BJP for supporting Vaun, who has been accused of making anti-Muslim speeches in an election meeting in Pilibhit.

"How can the BJP say that the CD containing inflammatory speeches of Varun Gandhi is doctored," he questioned.

According to sources, Chidambaram, in a meeting with BJPs prime ministerial candidate L K Advani today, discussed about the security scenario in the country.

Advani is in the list of politicians that includes Congress president Sonia Gandhi, BJP chief Rajnath Singh and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who face a threat to their lives as per the assessment of the Intelligence Bureau. (ANI)