Fresh intelligence inputs have suggested that Maoists are expanding base in Odisha, whose chief minister Naveen Patnaik has taken the lead in opposing the establishment of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre. The central agencies have called for precise intelligence-based joint operations by security forces to reign in the Maoists who have become emboldened after the recent spate of abductions and negotiations with the state government. The Union home ministry is asking Odisha to adopt a systematic approach, undertake intelligence-based operations and evolve a strategy to counter the spread of Maoists to new areas.