On Sunday, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi talking to media in Gandhinagar said that the BJP-led states had ensured security for the IPL matches but due to look warm response by the central government IPL matches are going abroad. Coming down heavily on the UPA government, Modi said that a government, which cannot provide protection to 11 players, cannot be entrusted with the task of securing country’s 111crore people.

Modi lambasted the Centre for “compromising with the country’s prestige” due to security reasons.

He alleged that the UPA had surrendered before the terror threat, which has caused a major jolt to its image before the international community. This has shocked the youth of the country even when the BJP-ruled states had shown willingness to organise these matches with full security to the players, said Modi.

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Though Gujarat Modi lambasted the Centre over Cricket Board’s decision to shift IPL outside the country, his Director General of Police had a different view on holding the matches in the state during elections.

State police chief S S Khandawala, in a letter dated March 17 to Gujarat Cricket Association President Narhari Amin, said, “We are not in a position to demarcate police force for security purpose for IPL matches between 15th April and 3rd May.” “In this view, you may kindly explore the feasibility of shifting the match scheduled for April 22 to any date, either before 10th April or 3rd May. Remaining matches to be played on April 11 and 13 as well as on May 6 and 12 (in Gujarat) are alright with us,” he had said in the letter.

April 13 is the last date for withdrawal of candidature, while Lok Sabha polling in Gujarat is scheduled on April 30.