Timing of Patna serial blasts "very worrying": Nitish Kumar

PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today said the timing of the Patna serial blasts on the day of Narendra Modi's rally here was "very worrying", adding it appeared to be a "deliberate attempt" to vitiate the atmosphere in the state.

Ruling out any security lapses in the arrangements for BJP Prime Ministerial candidate's mammoth 'Hunkar'(battle cry) rally, Nitish also said there were no intelligence inputs about the explosions either from the Centre or from the state.

The serial blasts cannot be a coincidence that they occurred on the day of the rally, he asserted.

"Whatever happened is not the tradition of Bihar. An attempt was made to disrupt the amity of the state and disturb the law and order situation. The blasts before the BJP rally seems like a deliberate attempt," he told reporters.

"The day and timing of the serial blasts indicate that there was an attempt to vitiate the atmosphere in the state. The timing is very worrying," he said.

Asked if the blasts could be the handiwork of some terrorist outfits, Nitish, who was flanked by DGP Abhyanand and Chief Secretary A K Sinha, did not rule it out.

Appealing for peace, Nitish said, "Some elements are trying to create trouble. We have to face (them) unitedly."

There were no security lapses as all the necessary measures had been taken for the BJP rally, he added.

Defending the arrangements, Nitish said "There were no intelligence inputs either from the Centre or from the state. Whatever was possible to do for this kind of a programme, the administration had done.

"I would like to assure BJP that there were no shortcomings in the arrangements," he added.

But, despite the arrangements, blasts had taken place,he said.

"It was a lesson for us as, despite the bandobast, this happened. It is a matter of great concern for all of us and a challenge for the entire state," he said.

The security agencies will surely track the people behind these blasts and the conspiracy will be exposed, he added.

Noting there have been political rivalries but no history of confrontation at events, Nitish said even though parties oppose each other in political ideology, there is a need to remain united to fight these mischievous elements.

"We may be political rivals, but can never allow such an unpleasant event to happen at a political rally."