Narendra Modi. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
The blasts occurred shortly before Modi arrived in Patna to launch the campaign in the big heartland state of Bihar for next next summer's national election.
Five low intensity blasts occurred on the outer periphery of the Gandhi Maidan, Union home secretary Anil Goswami said in Delhi. One bomb went off before the Eliphistine cinema hall on the western side of the rally venue, police said.
It was the first outbreak of violence since Modi, the challenger from the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, launched an aggressive campaign to oust the ruling Congress-led coalition in the election which must be held by May.
Modi later said he was saddened at the blasts.
Blasts in Patna are deeply saddening & unfortunate. Condolences with families of deceased & prayers with injured. I appeal for peace & calm.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 27, 2013
Critics say Modi, the three-time chief minister of western Gujarat, is pursuing a partisan agenda and accuse him of turning a blind eye to attacks on Muslims in 2002 in his state. Modi denies the allegations and the Supreme Court has cleared him of any responsibility.
Sunday's massive rally was intended as a show of strength in Bihar where the governing party broke off a 17-year alliance with the BJP after it picked Modi as its candidate to lead the party, saying the nation's leader should enjoy the confidence of all sections of society.
Tens of thousands of BJP supporters, waving the party's saffron flag, streamed into the city in buses and special trains.
"Police were on high alert ahead of this rally. We had imposed restrictions on movement of vehicles near the rally ground," a police officer said.
"There has been no lapse on the part of administration. However, it is very difficult to manage such a big crowd."
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