The Grand Alliance on Sunday routed the BJP led NDA in Bihar to get 2/3rds majority in the Assembly, making Chief Minister Nitish Kumar a third term in office.
Amidst of high tensions, among the political circles, Bihar election results were out yesterday. The newly-formed JD(U)-RJD- Congress alliance secured 178 seats in the 243-member House, in which RJD got 80 seats, and JD (U) 71 and Congress got 27, out of 41 seats.
On the other side, BJP-led NDA, which conducted an aggressive campaign, could bag only 58 seats. Out of 157, only BJP got 53 seats, while its allies also could not fight long. RLSP led by Upendra Kushwaha and LJP, led by Ram Vilas Paswan, got two seats each.
Former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi’s HAM won only one of the two seats he contested and lost in all the 19 others it fought in.
Bihar election results are proof to say people are fed up with Centre – Nitish Kumar
Upon giving the immense victory, Nithish Kumar thanked Bihar people and said that the Mahagathbandhan will work towards the development of Bihar.
“It is a victory for the people of Bihar. It is the victory of Bihar's 'Swabhimaan'. Mahagathbandhan has worked in unity and will continue to do so for the development of Bihar. This is a huge victory which suggests people of Bihar have aspirations, we will match up with their expectations,” Nithish said.
“We do not hold any kind of grudges against anyone. Whatever was said and done during the election campaigning, we won't let it affect our work. We will work with positivity. We respect our Opposition in Bihar, want to work in consensus with everyone to develop Bihar. People across nation definitely wish for an effective opposition, we will respect our opposition.”
Nitish even criticized the centre saying, “Bihar poll outcome will have national implications as it makes it clear people have a strong alternative at the national level. We will expect support from the Centre for Bihar's growth irrespective of whatever happened during the poll campaign. People have outright rejected attempts at polarisation and given a decisive mandate.”
"I express my gratitude towards people of Bihar, will try our best to match up with their expectations. People have given us a decisive mandate, will introspect in areas where we lost seats with a small margin," Nitish said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted congratulating Nitish Kumar, upon his victory and even Nitish said that he is overwhelmed to receive call from Modi.
By Phani Ch
