Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday said he was ready to discuss the Naxal issue with the opposition.
In an election rally at Ranchi, he said scrapping the Prevention Of Terrorism Act was not a reason for the spurt in extremism.

''I don't have any hesitation if the opposition wants to give any suggestion. We need to have a comprehensive strategy for the problem,'' he said.

Singh said Naxalism was a serious problem in many states and the Centre would extend 'maximum possible' cooperation to control it. He said the Centre was in touch with the affected states.

On the political crisis in Nepal, Singh said the Indian ambassador to that country had already met the monarch and the Nepal foreign minister. ''We have clearly stated that the monarchy and multi-party constitution are the two pillars of Nepal's politics.''

Addressing another rally at Jamshedpur, Singh said the Bharatiya Janata Party was trying to polarise the society.

"Such attempts will not help the country to progress. Such forces will only push the country backwards," Singh said.

He said the people would have to choose between development and disturbances by communal forces. Development was the only means through which Naxalism could be checked, he added.