"It is not security only in that state. You see, if election is taking place in a neighboring state or just across the state border. If we have an IPL match in the state, there could be problems," Home Minister P Chidambaram said said.
"It depends upon when states respond. It could take a few days," Chidambaram said
"What is presented to me is the result of discussions. The last time it was brought to my notice we issued a statement saying this schedule is not acceptable and they have to go back to the drawing board. They have come back with another schedule but the states have not come back with their response," he pointed out.
"The security for the IPL must be provided by the state governments," he said, reiterating that his obligation was to provide intelligence. "I have made it clear that I cannot exempt any state government from giving to the Election Commission forces which they promised," he said.
Chidambaram said, "I think the organisers are responsible people. I think they are patriotic Indians. I think they will take a call."
"Every cricket player will be safe; every cricket match will be conducted safely. The point is because the two scheduled (elections and IPL) virtually overlap, it is difficult to give that assurance only for this time period of about 45 days.
"Before and after, there is no doubt in my mind that the State and Central governments can provide foolproof security to cricket matches or football matches or anything else," he said.
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