This is a victory for Bihar's pride, says Nitish in first presser after big win

Asserting that the Bihar poll outcome will have national implications, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday said it has made it clear that people want a strong alternative at the national level and have rejected attempts at polarising the society.

In his first press interaction after the massive victory, he said Bihar results reflected the mood of the nation and described it as a “milestone election”, while thanking people for the decisive mandate.

He also asserted that despite the bitter campaign, he will not hold a “grudge against anybody and will work together with all” keeping a positive mindset as he sought the Centre’s cooperation for the progress of Bihar.

The Janata Dal-United leader also noted that despite an aggressive campaign by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance and its attempts at polarising the electorate, the massive mandate showed that people across communities had certain expectations and he would try his best to fulfil them.

Kumar, who is set to become chief minister for the third consecutive term, suggested coming together of non-BJP forces at the Centre to provide a strong opposition, saying Bihar elections had a national context and it was now imperative that they work together to provide a strong alternative.

He was accompanied by Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad and Bihar Congress chief Ashok Chowdhary.

-- Complete coverage: Battle for Bihar

“Bihar poll outcome will have national implications as it had attracted nation-wide attention. The results have made it clear that people want a robust opposition and strong alternative at the national level.

“A very aggressive campaign was run (by BJP) and attempts were made to create a certain situation. People have rejected it, rejected attempts to polarise and expressed their view. This is a huge mandate and we expect it with all the humility,” he said.

Such a big victory would not have been possible without the support from all sections of society, he said.

Kumar said the process of forming the new government like meeting of the legislature parties of the grand alliance partners, separately and together, will happen soon.

Asked about priorities of the new government, he said it was already put out in their joint manifesto and stressed on his vision of inclusive growth. 

“Everyone has congratulated us, including the prime minister. Whatever may have happened during the polls, we will expect that Bihar gets support from the Centre. It is a victory for the people of Bihar and the people have rejected attempts at polarisation,” Kumar said.

At the joint presser with Kumar, Lalu said Bihar polls will have “long-term results”.

Lalu said, “I will take our lantern (RJD election symbol) and move around everywhere in the country and will see what work has happened in villages adopted by BJP leaders.”

Prasad also referred to the intolerance debate and US President Barack Obama’s advice to Modi on importance of religious tolerance.

“Barack Obama was invited to Republic Day parade. He flogged the government while leaving when he made the remark that society should not be divided in the name of caste, colour etc.

“He said India should be kept united even after he returned to the US and reminded the government that even Mahatma Gandhi would not have liked such things,” the RJD supremo said.

During his India visit in January this year, Obama had made a strong pitch for religious tolerance and said every person has the right to practise his faith without any persecution and that India will succeed so long it is not “splintered” on religious lines. 

Image: Nitish Kumar waves to his supporters after the victory. Photograph: PTI