New Delhi, Jan. 19. (PTI): With uncertainty looming large over resumption of peace talks between Naxalites and the Andhra Pradesh government, the Centre today said "dialogue is a better option to handle problems."

Home Minister Shivraj Patil told reporters here that the policy of Congress-led UPA Government was to hold dialogue as "it is a better option to handle problems.

"Dialogues have succeeded in the past. One should try to make it successful," he said, adding "if talks can be held with those seeking sovereignity, then why not Naxalites? Our conclusion is that the situation will improve by talking to them."

"However, if dialogue fails, the State has to do its duty," Patil said.

"We have told them (Andhra Pradesh Government) that if you want to talk to them, you talk and if you want to take action, you take action," he said.

Stressing that it was a "national issue" and should not be politicised, Patil said "we have asked the State government to asses the situation and decide the course of action to deal with the naxal problem because they are in the field."

He expressed complete support to the Andhra Government saying "we are not going to leave them in lurch."

Allaying fears that the ceasefire between Andhra Pradesh Government and the Naxalite groups could have given time for the ultra Left groups to regroup, Patil said "if Naxalites have got the time, the State government has also got time to prepare."

Patil dimissed reports suggesting the breakdown in talks in Andhra Pradesh could have an impact on the coming Assembly polls in Bihar and Jharkhand.