Maoist violence, jihadi terror two sides of same coin: Advani

Describing Maoist violence and Jihadi terrorism as two sides of the same coin, BJP leader LK Advani today asked the government not to have any dialogue with the Naxals unless they renounce the path of violence and pledged their faith in the constitution.

Calling for steps to crush Maoist violence, he said "the government cannot have any dialogue with them unless they renounce the path of violence and pledge their faith in the Indian constitution".

The former deputy prime minister said the menace of "irreligious and anti-national" Maoist ideology must be met unitedly.

"Maoist violence and jihadi terrorism are two sides of the same coin," Advani said, adding, "the purpose of both is to overthrow the Indian state, bring Indian democracy to an end and dismember India as a nation".

He said "the right response of all patriotic citizens, organisations and including political parties is to unite in the pledge to root out this threat".

Participating in the centenary celebrations of Veerashaiva Mahasabha and Shivayoga Mandira here, Advani said the Naxals "concern for the poor" was only a "fig-leaf to cover the anti-national nature of their ideology and strategy."

Advani said Maoists were trying to expand their activities in other states including Karnataka. "Both the government and the society should be extremely vigilant against this danger," he warned.

"BJP fully supports the Central government in its strategy to root out the Maoist menace," he said.