Move over IPL, election a priority for Govt: Chidambaram

In the battle between the Indian Premier League and Lok Sabha Elections 2009, Home Mnister P Chidambaram has made clear that elections are a clear priority over the cricket series.

Amidst uncertainty over IPL, Home Minister P Chidambaram on Thursday said elections were 'unquestionably' the first priority and that the organisers were responsible for taking a call on whether the cricketing event should be called off.

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"I can't exempt any state government from giving to the Election Commission the forces which they have promised. I have also made it clear that I cannot spare any central para-military forces," he told Karan Thapar on CNN-IBN.

Asked if elections were the first priority over IPL, he shot back 'unquestionably'.

To a question whether the IPL should be simply called off if the dates clashed with elections, Chidambaram said, "Well I think the organisers are responsible people. I think they are patriotic Indians. I think they will take a call".

When the questioner told him that the IPL matches could provide soft targets to terrorists, he said the security for IPL must be provided by state governments and the Centre would provide Intelligence.