By NNN-PTI,
New Delhi : Taking over as Home Minister in the aftermath of the country’s worst terror strikes in Mumbai, P Chidambaram on Monday said the government would respond with “determination and resolve” to the “grave threats” posed to the country.
“This is a threat to the very idea of India, the very soul of India that we know, that we love — secular, plural, tolerant and open society. I have no doubt that ultimately the idea of India will triumph,” he told reporters soon after assuming office to which he was appointed on Sunday.
63-year-old Chidambaram, who succeeds Shivraj Patil and comes back to the Ministry after two decades, parried all questions saying he would hold a full-fledged press conference before weekend once he settles down.
“I want to assure the people of India that we will respond with determination and resolve to the grave threats posed to the Indian nation,” he said.
Chidambaram, who was the Finance Minister in the UPA government since May, 2004, opened his brief interaction with the press saying he recognised that there was a “sense of anguish and deep shock” among the people of India.
“Like everyone I have heard the anguished voice of India over the last few days,” he said noting that all political parties have separately and together declared that there is and there will be unity of purpose in dealing with the situation.
“I welcome the sense of purpose displayed at the all party meeting summed up by the Prime Minister (Manmohan Singh),” he said.