Bangalore: Karnataka Chief Minister N Dharam Singh today (June 26, 2004) said that the Government was ready to hold a dialogue with Naxalites to bring them to the mainstream.

Speaking to reporters in Bangalore, he said the Naxal issue would be viewed as a 'socio-economic' problem and efforts would be made to overcome it through dialogue. The Naxals should also give up violence.

He, however, added that if the Government's efforts did not materialise, naxal violence would be sternly dealt with.

Replying to a query, Singh reiterated that the 12-member Congress-JD(S) coalition ministry would be expanded before the budget session of the State Legislature, slated to begin in the third week of July.

Asked about the opposition demand for a CBI probe into the alleged multi-crore rice scam, involving export of rice meant for 'Food for Work' programme under drought relief works, he said the state Corps of Detectives was doing a good job and action would be taken against the guilty based on their findings.

On general transfers during this year, he said it would not be done, except in cases where it was essential.