Salem, Sept 18: Defence Minister George Fernandes today said the Centre was ready to extend all cooperation to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to help them nab sandalwood smuggler Veerappan. "If both governments approach the Centre, we will certainly extend help," he told reporters at Yercaud before leaving for Vellore by helicopter.

However, nabbing the brigand was the responsibility of the states concerned.
Asked about the relationship between the BJP and DMK, he said, "It is very good. We still have one year for the elections. We have got time to talk about alliances."

Bureau Report