In light of the assassination conspiracy, Maharashtra's minister for Home Deepak Kesarkar said the government has stepped up vigil and security to foil attempts by Left Wing Extremists (LWE) to retaliate after a plot was uncovered to assassinate the Prime Minister and threats were allegedly made to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his family.
Pune police's submission of the letter has kicked off a controversy, and political parties are terming it a publicity stunt. What is your take?
The police was in possession of the letter for a long time. Had the government or police wanted to leak it for publicity, it would have been done long back. But it was kept a secret and there is no question of forgery.
What was the trigger for the letters?
The Maharashtra government has been taking action against LWEs whose presence is restricted to in and around Gadchiroli district. A team of C-60 commandos, a specialized combat unit of the Gadchiroli police, recently killed 39 LWEs. After the killings, LWEs put up banners declaring an intent of revenge.
The government is well aware of such threats. The police and C60 commandos have stepped up security since then.
The government will continue crackdown on LWEs. Simultaneously, the government is implementing a slew of development projects in Naxal affected areas to boost development.
Do you expect reaction from LWEs?
LWEs have hinted retaliatory reaction. They are perturbed over the reluctance of tribals to join them. They are therefore eyeing soft targets such as literate and educated class from urban areas and towns for support. These people are supporting the LWEs' cause, which is anti national.
Opponents allege that the government was soft on right wing activists and only chasing those who are sympathetic towards left wing activists...
These allegations are also baseless. Police arrested Hindutva leader and prime suspect Milind Ekbote in the Bhima-Koregaon case. There are number of other people also arrested in connection with this.
