Sunday, February 13 2005 19:06 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Ranchi: Suggesting a comprehensive strategy to tackle the naxalite problem, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said he was ready to discuss the issue with the Opposition and rejected the contention that scrapping of tough anti-terror law like POTA was responsible for the spurt in extremism.

''I don't have any hesitation if the Opposition wants to give any suggestion ... We have to have a comprehensive strategy for the problem,'' he told a press conference at the airport in Ranchi replying to a question on BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) president L K Advani's recent demand to take the Opposition into confidence on internal security.

He denied BJP's allegation that scrapping of POTA (Prevention Of Terrorism Act) had led to the increase in the extremism saying, "Advani himself knows that it is not true."

Singh said naxalism was a serious problem in many States and the Centre would extend 'maximum possible' cooperation to control it.

The Centre was in touch with the affected States and ''I believe the States and the Centre will jointly solve the problem,'' he added.

Replying to a query on the political crisis in Nepal, the Prime Minister said India had great concern over it and the Indian Ambassador to that country had already met the Monarch and the Nepal Foreign Minister.

''We have already clearly stated that the monarchy and multi-party constitution are the two pillars of the Nepal politics.''

The Prime Minister expressed confidence over Congress winning the Assembly polls in Jharkhand and Bihar and said his party was committed to provide a stable Governments in the two States.

Accusing the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) Government in Jharkhand of failing to meet the people's expectation, he said if the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) is voted to power, emphasis would be given on agriculture, education, irrigation and employment. ''We will also work for the development of schedule castes, schedule tribes and minorities.''

The UPA Government is at the Centre and if it is also voted to power in Jharkhand it would lead to coordination and help in accelerating development.

To a question on alleged fissures in the UPA, Singh said the alliance was intact and there was no threat to his Government. ''The Congress has embraced coalition politics. And we are learning it fast.''