BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi addresses the news meet on Wednesday. Picture by Deepak Kumar

Patna, Nov. 13: BJP national spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi’s remark that Bihar needs more mental asylums has triggered a war of words in the state.

Both the BJP and the JD(U) aimed verbal slings at each other over the issue today.

JD(U) spokesperson Sanjay Singh said Lekhi’s statement was an insult to the state and its residents. “The statement has been made at the behest of Narendra Modi. When we asked why the BJP prime ministerial candidate did not visit the families of the victims of the 2002 Gujarat communal riots, the party dubbed (chief minister) Nitish Kumar a mental case.”

Former deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi returned blow for blow.

“I don’t approve of the statement (Lekhi made). But why is the JD(U) making so much noise. Their spokesperson Sanjay Singh has often called me a mental case at the behest of Nitish Kumar. Did that not hurt Bihari pride?” said the BJP leader.

The war of words descending to this stage has been condemned by both the chief minister and his former deputy.

Nitish had earlier said: “They (the BJP) have been our allies for long. I did not expect such words from them.”

On Wednesday, Sushil said: “I have worked with the CM for many years. I always thought he was a serious politician. But after the success of the Hunkar Rally, he has become so bitter that he is using such abusive language.”

He added that instead of answering specific queries about the lack of security during the BJP’s October 27 meeting addressed by Narendra Modi, when a series of low-intensity blasts tore through the venue, Gandhi Maidan, Nitish had turned aggressive and started to abuse his former ally.

“Compared to JD(U)’s Adhikar Rally last year, there was hardly any security at the Gandhi Maidan during Hunkar Rally. Why was there lack of security?” said Sushil.

He also said the Bihar unit of the party had requested Modi to contest Lok Sabha polls from the state.

“The final decision will be taken by the parliamentary board,” he said, adding that making Modi the Prime Minister would be the state unit’s election agenda.