Patna, May 4 (IANS): Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi Saturday telephoned RJD chief Lalu Prasad to inquire about his health, a day after he was injured in an accident.

Lalu is one of the most vocal critics of the Gujarat strongman for his role in the 2002 communal riots.

"Lalu was surprised when he got a call from Modi, who wished him speedy recovery," a RJD leader close to Lalu told IANS.

Bharatiya Janata Party state president Mangal Pandey said Modi telephoned Lalu Prasad out of courtesy.

"Modi has again proved that he cares even for critic like Lalu," Pandey said.

According to RJD sources, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and several central ministers and other leaders of political parties also telephoned him to inquire about his health.

Lalu was injured in the head and face when he was going to Raghopur from Patna Friday night to meet victims of a fire incident. Suddenly, the windshield broke.

After two stitches and bandages on his head, Lalu was discharged from a private hospital.