We warned UP govt, they were lax: Chidambaram

Barely 15 hours after a low intensity blast rocked Varanasi and killed a two-year-old child, Home Minister P Chidambaram, who visited the pilgrimage city on Wednesday, claimed that he had warned the Uttar Pradesh government about a terror threat to Dasshwamedh ghat.

"We had sent a letter to the UP government way back in February to share intelligence reports hinting at the possibility of terrorist outfits targeting this particular ghat of Varanasi," Chidambaram told mediapersons after visiting the site of the blast.

He sought to blame the blast on laxity on the part of the state government.

"Since the warning had been conveyed to the state government well in advance and that too specifically about a possible strike at Dasashwamedh ghat, we expected them to take appropriate security measures," he said.

"This was followed by an advisory prior to the anniversary of the Mumbai terror attack on November 26 and the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition on December 6, wherein we made it a point to highlight the need for suitable security measures to prevent any terrorist strike. Therefore we have reason to believe that there was some security lapse on the part of the state administration," he added.

When a scribe sought his comment on Chief Minister Mayawati's allegations that her repeated requests for special security assistance were ignored by the Centre, the home minister shot back, "Well, I do not wish to make any comment other than what I have stated."

He added, "I would like to point out that maintenance of law and order is a state subject and has to be controlled by the state government."

Chidambaram also visited the injured victims in nearby hospitals and assured them of  every possible assistance by the government.

His visit was preceded by Mayawati's sudden visit to the blast site on Tuesday mid-night.

The UP chief minister also visited the hospitals and the blast site. She directed top officials to beef up security at other vulnerable and sensitive places across the state.