With the United Progressive Alliance government's image coming under the scanner over Home Minister Shivraj Patil's handling of internal security, the Congress on Tuesday delivered a blunt message to him to act fast on acts of terror in the country.
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"The Home Minister is wise enough to understand the seriousness of the issue and take appropriate action," party general secretary Digvijay Singh told reporters.
He was asked what advice the Congress would give to Patil after the serial blasts in Delhi.
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This came a day after party president Sonia Gandhi convened a meeting on internal security in which Patil was conspicuous by his absence. Even in the Congress Working Committee meeting held last week, Patil was the only important minister who did not speak.
Singh said the party is seriously concerned over the acts of terror and would like the central government to take tough measures on the issue.
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To a specific question on whether Patil should be replaced, he said, "I would not comment on this".
On Saturday's blasts in Delhi which brought Patil under intense pressure with the Opposition demanding his ouster, Singh said there are people who have to be accountable for it. "We have to be more vigilant," he said.
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Asked who should be held accountable as law and order in Delhi falls under the jurisdiction of the Union Home Ministry, he said, "Accountability has to start from the police commissioner upwards".
