Equation with states to be simple, cordial: Shinde

New Delhi - The equation between the central government and states should be simple and cordial, India's new Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said Wednesday.

"I am part of the cabinet and am aware of the situation in the country... There are a number of problems in the country. We must have a very cordial relationship with the states," Shinde told reporters.

"Our relationship with the states should be simple," Shinde, who was appointed home minister Tuesday, added.

Shinde was power minister and takes over from P. Chidambaram, who was appointed finance minister. The power portfolio has been added to the responsibilities of Corporate Affairs Minister M. Veerappa Moily.

Shinde said he would take stock of the situation by holding discussions with officials in the home ministry.

"I will sit and talk to officials. I am aware of the problems, including Naxal issues," he said. He was earlier governor of Andhra Pradesh.

"But I need to see the present situation. The home ministry is very critical, every moment we have to be alert."

"I am not only here as a Dalit leader, but I will give result to the responsibility entrusted to me by Sonia-ji and the prime minister," he said.