Patna, Sept. 10: The BJP today criticised the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) for the latter’s reluctance in taking on terrorism, which led to the blast at Delhi High Court on Wednesday.

BJP chief spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Manmohan Singh-led government had failed to deliver a peaceful and safe atmosphere to the people of this country.

Hitting out at the UPA government, Prasad said: “Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has failed to perform his duty. It’s a complete security lapse and intelligence failure. A blast at the gate of high court is regrettable. It is one of the safest places in Delhi and if terrorist can strike there what else is safe? How many more lives would be lost in such acts?” Prasad asked.

Prasad added: “The nation is in a state of uncertainty. The whole country is talking about terrorism but the Congress leaders have chosen to remain mute spectators. Now people are living under threat and fear. The common man has lost the faith on the UPA government. When the NDA was in power, people never used to live under such circumstances.”

Citing the example of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru’s capital punishment, Prasad said: “Why is the Congress government delaying the death sentence of Afzal Guru. Earlier also I had said that the BJP is of the view that all those who have been given capital punishment after due process of law, including confirmation by Supreme Court and whose clemency plea has been rejected by the President, then the capital punishment should be executed.”

He said: “Afzal Guru was nabbed during the NDA’s regime but we fail to understand why is there a delay (in executing the punishment). The Congress government must be harsh towards terrorists and terrorism. There is a need for strong law to curb such incidents. If the UPA government makes such laws, we will support it too.”

Attacking the Prime Minister, Prasad said: “Singh has never contested any election but heading this country. He has not even contested a municipal election.”