Friday, January 28 2005 20:34 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: In a new twist to 'abduction' politics in Bihar, the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) today (Jan 28, 2005) charged RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) chief Laloo Prasad with providing protection to criminals involved in the recent kidnappings in the State in order to justify his allegation of conspiracy against the Opposition.

"Abductions, goondaism and other crimes are not new to Bihar but Laloo Prasad and his Government are providing protection to those behind the recent spurt in such incidents to justify his shameless allegation against the Opposition," party vice-president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told reporters in Patna.

Alleging there was a conspiracy behind the spurt in abduction cases in Bihar, the RJD chief had yesterday accused the Opposition of "playing dirty politics by stage-managing such incidents to defame the State Government."

Naqvi also asked Congress and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to "clarify its stand" on the law and order situation in the State, "which has collapsed leading to insecurity among the common people of the State".