Maoists are 'our own people' --- Narendra Modi

BJP's forthright poster boy, Narendra Modi, today embarrassed his senior party leaders by calling Maoists "our own people" and urging the government to sit down for talks with them. His statement came as a surprise to the top brass of the party that has been insisting on dealing with the Maoists with an iron hand. While defending the Gujarat CM, the party spokesperson blamed the media for misquoting him and said the issue was unnecessarily being blown out of proportion.

BJP later clarified that Modi was just responding to a question posed by a student on what his message was for the youngsters who are picking up arms. The statement by the Gujarat government's spokesperson read: "Narendra Modi was not asked about what the government must do to tackle Maoism and he has not responded to any such question... However, he is of the view that the government should not bow to the Maoists and strong action should be taken against those who are involved in killing innocent civilians."


This is perhaps the first time Gujarat CM has had to retract his statement. Experts believe that just like what has been happening within the Congress, the Maoist issue is now creating differences within BJP as well. 

However, the BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitaraman said, "We have made our position clear that if 200 districts are under the influence of armed Naxals then every effort should be made to reclaim the territory, bringing in peace and development. But we want stern action against all elements perpetrating terror."  

Clearly on the defensive after Modi's Maoist gaffe, BJP defended its blue-eyed boy claiming all is well within the party ranks on the issue of tackling Maoism.

Meanwhile, the BJP welcomed the revenue generated by the 3G auction. However, taking a dig at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the 2G spectrum scam, Sitaraman said, "The loss caused to this country by A Raja through his acts of corruption and nepotism is a huge loss. How long will the prime minister look the other way and pretend that nothing has happened."