Chennai: Ruling out the withdrawal of Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on April 26 asked its allies like the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), clamouring for its total withdrawal, to view the Act in the larger national interest, in the light of cross-border terrorism and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)-sponsored subversive activities.

"POTA must continue and there is no question of its withdrawal. It is very much necessary in the national interest and security angle," BJP president Venkaiah Naidu told a press conference.

"The country cannot afford to be complacent and a stringent, extraordinary Law is absolutely necessary and those who demand its withdrawal should complain to the commission set up by the Central government and also to the review committee, if there is any misuse." Besides, other legal remedies were also available to them, he said.

He admitted that it (POTA) was a "mis-application" in regard to MDMK general secretary Vaiko. Government had already filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court.

The BJP leader said legislation such as POTA could not be withdrawn for the sake of one particular state complaining about its misuse.

PTI