New Delhi:
The focus of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is likely to undergo an drastic change from security to Centre-state relationship.
71-year-old Sushil Kumar Shinde, who took over as the Home Minister today, told reporters that his predecessor P Chidambaram had done a lot of "good work." "Several politicians I have met at the Central Hall of the Parliament have told me about the need to improve Centre-state relationship" Mr Shinde said.
That means the new Home Minister is unlikely to push for the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC). The anti-terror agency was put on hold after many states, including some with a Congress government, said the powers given to the NCTC encoradched upon the autonomy of state and therefore violated the principles of federalism. "I need to see the files before deciding whether we should follow the earlier line," Mr Shinde said.
The Ministry of Home Affairs' hard line on the Maoist menace is also likely to see a sea change. Mr Shinde stressed that he has valuable experience in dealing with the Naxals because of his terms as Governor of Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh. Just after assuming charge he said, "I do not rule out talks. We need to examine there problems. Let me see check with my colleges and I will take a call."