Patna: The Congress on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of blackmailing his opponents into submission and wondered what could have been the compulsion behind Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar leaving a secular alliance (Grand Alliance) to join a fascist alliance (read National Democratic Alliance).

"What was the reason behind Nitish doing a volte face? What was the compulsion that he had to leave a secular alliance and join a fascist alliance? We wonder about it," All India Congress Committee (AICC) Bihar in-charge Shaktisinh Gohil said.

Gohil, who hails from Gujarat, said he was the Leader of Opposition there when Modi was the chief minister and asserted that he has seen gross misuse of power and blackmailing techniques.

"I was the Leader of Opposition when Modi was the CM in Gujarat. I know that he used to accomplish many things by misusing government's power and even blackmailing people and opponents," Gohil added, while talking about Nitish.

Gohil was responding to questions on the sidelines of his news meet at Sadaquat Ashram in Patna.

On Nitish and the offer to take him back in the Grand Alliance if he quits the BJP-led NDA, Gohil said he won't comment till Nitish is with fascist parties. "But if he (Nitish) leaves the company of fascist parties, we will consult our allies in Bihar such as the RJD and Jitan Ram Manjhi to decide on the future course of action," Gohil said.

The Congress also pointed at the possible differences between Nitish and Modi because of which the CM and his party JDU did not attend the International Yoga Day celebrations.

"Nitish demanded special category status for the state at the governing council meet of Niti Aayog where Modi was also present. But Modi did not utter a single word on the issue, which is so dear to Bihar. This is akin to insulting your friend, ally and Bihar. We don't think Nitish would be happy over receiving such a treatment," Gohil said.

He added that his party was in support of Bihar's demand for special category status "and would ensure that the state gets it if the Congress comes to power at the Centre."