Maoists menace tops BJP agenda ahead of parliament session

New Delhi, Apr 24 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Arun Jaitley has said the increasing Maoist menace would be priority subject of discussion during the second leg of parliament's budget session, starting today.

"Maoism is becoming a big problem. There is a spurt of an increase in Maoist activities. There is an urgent need for a discussion on this issue," Jaitley told media here.

Jaitley further said apart from tackling the rebels, the Prime Minister should also give a clarification on the defence preparedness of the country, which has been under scanner for some time.

"A lot of questions have been raised on the defence preparedness of the country and we would want that, if possible, honourable Prime Minister could give a clarification on this issue and assure the nation of India's defensive might," he added.

During the past months, the left-wing extremists have continued to a scorn in the skin of the central and state governments by successfully masterminding four high-profile abduction, including, two Italian tourists, Orissa's BJD legislator Jhina Hikaka and Sukma District Collector Alex Paul Menon.

Menon's abduction comes well within one month of kidnapping of Hikaka whose release is being awaited amidst continuous efforts by the state government. (ANI)