Serial blasts in Patna a 'gross intelligence failure': Sushma

BJP leader Sushma Swaraj today condemned the serial blasts in Patna ahead of Narendra Modi's rally saying it was a "gross intelligence failure".

"I strongly condemn the serial blasts on occasion of the BJP rally in Patna. This is a gross intelligence failure," she tweeted after the incident.

Five people were killed and 66 injured in six serial bomb blasts near the venue of BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi's rally in Patna minutes before he reached there to address a huge gathering.

Hours before the multiple explosions, a crude bomb went off in a newly constructed toilet at the Patna railway station, 2-km from the BJP's 'Hunkar rally' venue.

JDU leader Sabir Ali said there are "two parts of the blasts."

"We condemn the blasts and will not spare anyone behind the incidents. But who has benefited from the incident, who has benefited from its timing," he said.

Asked if BJP was behind the blasts, Ali said, "the circumstances are speaking a lot of things. We are not naming any one before the inquiry is complete but circumstances are speaking a lot."

Meanwhile, BJP's Deputy Leader in Rajya Sabha, Ravi Shankar Prasad sought a thorough probe into the blasts and said the response of state police was not adequate even though the rally was fixed eight months back.

"The police should have taken precautions after the first blast. There were no metal detectors, frisking and other security measures at the rally. The police preparations left much to be desired," he said.

Prasad said even though they saw the first blast from the podium, they played it down to prevent any panic reaction.