Chidambaram invites JNU girl for tea

In the spirit of dialogue, Home Minister P Chidambaram has invited a Maoist-sympathiser and a student of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to have a cup of tea in his office and to debate what she called the government's 'anti-people policies'.

In the spirit of dialogue, Home Minister P Chidambaram has invited a Maoist-sympathiser and a student of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to have a cup of tea in his office and to debate what she called the government's 'anti-people policies'.

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Chidambaram who visited the JNU campus on Wednesday night to address a seminar on 'Naxalism: A Threat to Indian Democracy and Internal Security' organised by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), the student wing of Congress Party, extended the invitation after being bombarded with questions by the girl who is pursuing her doctorate in Economics from the University.

"Mr Chidambaram, we want our freedom of speech," shouted Vibha supported by a fellow girl student just as the Minister was concluding his speech.

Sensing discomfort by the minister, NSUI leaders and security personnel tried to pacify the duo, who refused to stop shouting until finally it caught Chidambaram's attention and he beckoned the two students closer.

"Who is that lady. Please come here and kindly sit down," he said.

Pointing to her, he said in a harsher tone, "Ask that lady (police) to come here. Why did you pull her? Why do you guys stand everywhere? Go and sit down."