Probe Nitish Kumar's security lapse for Modi: BJP

Demanding a probe into the "criminal negligence" by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in ensuring security for its prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi at Sunday's Patna rally, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tuesday alleged the Gandhi Maidan serial blasts were proof of Nitish Kumar's failure.

"As a chief minister, Nitish Kumar who also holds the home portfolio failed to carry out his responsibilities. He has to answer the nation," BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain told mediapersons here.

Hussain said the Nitish Kumar regime failed to crush terrorism, and did not take action against the Bhatkal brothers and the Indian Mujahideen (IM) for fear of losing votes.

"Under Nitish Kumar, Bihar has become a haven of the IM. Nitish Kumar did not even act after the Bodh Gaya blasts," he said.

Hussain said no other senior official except one woman additional superintendent of police was on duty at the rally venue. There was only one deputy superintendent-level police officer at the airport.

"There were no metal detectors. Why was the entire maidan not sanitised?" he asked.

Terming the serial blasts a "conspiracy", the BJP leader said Modi could have even lost his life.

He demanded an apology from Nitish Kumar for giving a "misleading" statement that the central government had not alerted Bihar of possible terror strikes during Modi's rally.

"Now, (Home Minister) Sushilkumar Shinde has categorically stated the central government had alerted him that terror strikes may take place at the rally."

Hussain said the alleged human bomb Tariq, who was grievously injured when the bomb blew off at the Patna railway station, should be given the best of medical treatment.

"The Bihar government should take him to Delhi. He should be alive so that we know details about the conspiracy," said the BJP leader.