"The question of law and order is directly connected with the state as it is the prime responsibility of the state...If they ask for help we can give, but the Constitution does not permit us to directly intervene in it," he said.
His remarks came a day after Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav said stern action will be taken in the matter "even if we have to sacrifice the government."
"It could be true that some persons might be trying to take mileage by creating communal tension but in a healthy democracy this should not be done," he said.
Mulayam had yesterday claimed that the Dadri incident was a "pre-planned" conspiracy hatched by three persons of a particular party and that they were also behind the 2013 riots in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here, the Home Minister said maintaining peace and order was the primary duty of states.
"I have already said such incidents are unfortunate but Centre has certain limitations," he said.
"Efforts should be to maintain communal amity and brotherhood...This is the primary and moral duty of all political parties and they should fulfill it," he said.
On the recent violence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's parliamentary constituency Varanasi, Singh said Modi has given the responsibility to him as the home minister and wherever necessary, he takes up the matter with the states.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
