Replying to a day-long debate in both Houses of Indian Parliament on the dastardly Maoist attack killing 76 CRPF jawans in Dantewada in the Central Indian State of Chhattisgarh, Chidambaram told the Opposition that the Government was not wavering between dangling talks and initiating firm, resolute action against Naxals. Chidambaram explained, "Our call to the CPI (Maoist) for talks was made in the hope that there will be a sincere response from them. The only condition is that the CPI (Maoist) must abjure violence."  Now that the Maoists have spurned the Government's offer to hold talks, he said the security forces have launched the anti-Naxal offensive. Virtually ruling out any role for the Army for now, Chidambaram made it clear that the CRPF will lead the charge. Even the security forces charged with the responsibility of guarding the borders will not have any role in the anti-Naxal offensive.

Ruling out any policy confusion, Chidambaram declared that the Anti-Naxal operations were being conducted in accordance with the policy deliberated and agreed upon at several meetings with Chief Ministers of the Naxal-affected States. Chidambaram said the two pillars of the policy were calibrated police action and development. Central para-military forces have been provided to the affected States, including Chhattisgarh, to help the State Governments carry out counter-insurgency operations, regain control of areas dominated by the Naxalites, restore the civil administration, and re-start development work.

The Home Minister sought to underscore the essential philosophy of the Maoists, which was the violent overthrow of the State and capturing power through the barrel of the gun. Chidambaram said, "Let us not forget that goal of the Naxalites is to overthrow the established authority of the Government through armed liberation struggle. The State has a legitimate right to deploy its security forces to resist, apprehend and, if necessary, neutralize militants who are determined to strike at the very roots of our nation." _Chidambaram said, "On an earlier occasion, I had said that to counter the menace of Naxalism, we need a strong head, a stronger heart and enormous staying power. I believe that the Government has all three qualities. Even as we grieve the loss of lives, I appeal to the House - and through this House to the people of India - that we should remain calm, hold our nerve and stay on the course that we had carefully chosen since October 2009."