Amritsar, November 14
The internal security scenario in the country has worsened in the past six months under the UPA Government, according to the BJP chief, Mr L.K. Advani.

Addressing state party workers here today, the former Union Home Minister said the present UPA dispensation at the Centre had compromised with the country’s security in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the present policy of withdrawing troops was not in the interest of the country and the government must understand the pitfalls of such a move. Mr Advani felt that the Congress-led government had failed to provide security to the people in the North-East during the recent months.

On being asked about the expulsion of firebrand BJP leader Uma Bharti, Mr Advani refused to comment on the issue.

Referring to the arrest of Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati by the Tamil Nadu police, he said although it was an unfortunate development, the courts would take into consideration the facts of the case.

He, however, felt that the decision to arrest the seer was not only hasty but also seemed to have been taken under pressure.

Mr Advani also lashed out against the ‘appeasement policy’ of the Andhra Pradesh Government, which at the behest of the Central Government, was holding talks with the People’s War Group (PWG).

He said this group was behind the assassination attempt of former Chief Minister Mr Chandrababu Naidu. He charged the Congress of having worked out an agreement with the PWG before the elections to ensure their victory in Andhra Pradesh and claimed that this group had already proclaimed close affiliation with the Maoist militant group operating in Nepal.

Coming down heavily on the UPA Government for price rise and inflation, he said the rising prices had added to the woes of the common man.