Sonia, Cong responsible for rise in Naxalism: BJP

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday accused Congress president Sonia Gandhi, her party leaders and the Centre of being directly responsible for the rise in Maoist menace in Bihar with their 'pro-Naxal statements'.

"Naxals have become audacious in Bihar. The Centre, Sonia Gandhi and her party leaders are directly responsible for it. By their pro-Naxal statements, they have boosted the morale of Maoists," BJP spokesperson Tarun Vijay charged at a press conference.

He alleged that Gandhi, her party leaders like Digvijay Singh and Mani Shankar Aiyar are responsible for weakening "the fight of (Bihar Chief Minister) Nitish Kumar against Maoists" in the state.

Vijay said it was unfortunate that Gandhi had not expressed any sympathy for the families of the policeman killed by the Maoists nor had she condemned the attack.

"It is surprising that instead of standing by the brave policemen, she is busy in the celebrations of her coronation. How does it matter that she has become president of a family set up of Congress for the fourth time or 24th time? We condemn this silence (of Gandhi)," he said.

The BJP asked the Centre to immediately initiate action to free the three remaining policemen held hostage by the Maoists since last Sunday.

"Free the abducted policemen from the clutches of Maoists and for this if they (Centre and Bihar government) need to take the help of the army, they must do it," he said.

Describing Maoists as terrorists, he said, "They are anti-national and anti-people."

On the allegation that the Bihar chief minister was soft on Maoists while the Janata Dal – United ally BJP wants strict action against them, he said, "I have mentioned the stand of BJP before you".