Bhubaneswar (PTI): Accusing Congress-led UPA of being soft on terrorists and naxalites in its quest for votes, BJP on Monday asked the central government to issue a White Paper and convene an all-party meeting on terrorism.

Alleging that the UPA was soft towards terrorism, particularly after cash-for-vote charges during trust vote in the Lok Sabha, BJP General Secretary, Vinay Katiyar alleged that terrorists and naxalites were encouraged after Congress forged alliances with outfits having extremist links in Assam, Andhra Pradesh and elsewhere during last elections.

Even posters of Osama Bin Laden were displayed in Bihar for getting votes," Katiyar said adding "we burn effigy of Ravan and never glorify him for electoral gains."

While Pakistan has been using terrorism as a weapon in its foreign policy, the UPA government seems to be adopting a soft approach towards terrorism in its domestic and internal security policy, he said.

Observing that Since China was a target of islamic separatism, BJP's Orissa in-charge said it should collaborate with India to fight against terrorism.

Hitting out at Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil for failing to deal with terrorism and naxalism firmly, Katiyar said Patil must realise that anyone could be detained and questioned in order to be able to nab terrorists.

Alleging increase in infiltration from countries like Bangladesh during UPA rule, he claimed that Muslim population in Assam had risen from seven per cent in 1950 to 48 per cent, while in West Bengal it has increased from 11 per cent to 34 per cent and in Tripura from six per cent to 37 per cent.

However, the Centre has failed to take effective steps to check infiltration while pursuing its vote bank politics, he said adding the problem has posed serious threats to the country's internal security.

On BJD-BJP Government in Orissa, BJP's state in-charge said the ruling combine had been sincerely fighting the Maoists despite Centre's failure to tackle the menace.

The state government has also been taking concrete steps to mitigate the plight of the poor, hit hard by spiralling prices of essential commodities. The latest measure to provide succour to those living below the poverty line was Rs two-a-kg rice scheme, launched on august two, he said.

Maintaining that BJD and BJP were working in tandem, Katiyar said seat sharing between the two parties for the next elections would be finalised in a friendly manner and candidates announced soon.