PATNA: The Nitish Kumar-led JD (U)-BJP alliance today bagged 135 seats, 13 more than the simple majority, and was ahead in 70 other places in the 243-member Assembly.
On the other hand, RJD-LJP alliance suffered major reverses bagging only ten seats and leading in 16 other places against its tally of 64 last time.
Congress too suffered a setback winning three seats and leading in three compared to nine seats it had won in 2005.
The CPI won one seat and others 2.
NDA jubilant, oppn crestfallen
Jubilant NDA supporters distributed sweets, burst crackers and danced to drum beats to celebrate the resounding victory of JD(U)-BJP combine in the Bihar Assembly elections.
But it was a scene in contrast in the opposition RJD-LJP and Congress camps where gloom descended as results started unfolding, with bulk of the seats going to the NDA kitty.
Enthusiastic NDA supporters smeared vermilion on each other as the BJP-JD (U) juggernaut marched towards unprecedented victory.
The NDA supporters shouted ‘Nitish Kumar zindabad’ and ‘NDA zindabad’.
Traffic on the Veer Chand Patel Path where offices of JD (U) and BJP are located, came to a halt briefly due to the celebrations.
On the other hand, the RJD office close to the BJP headquarters wore a deserted look.
The leader of opposition in the outgoing state Assembly, Rabri Devi’s official residence at 10 Circular Road too was shut for visitors and the media.
The LJP office at Wheelers Road and Congress headquarters at Sadaqat Ashram too were deserted.
No magic wand: Nitish
Reacting to the verdict, Nitish Kumar termed the victory of his NDA-JD (U) alliance as a victory for development and pledge to work harder in his second innings.
“We have no magic wand, but people’s trust. I will need to work harder than I did in the last five years and I will not hesitate,” 59-year-old Kumar told a press conference here.
The poll verdict, he said, would disappoint those doing politics on the basis of caste and the mandate would mark a “new story” in Bihar and have effect outside the state.
“The outcome of the elections also proves beyond doubt that it is a victory for development and for the people of the state,” he said.
In a veiled attack on the RJD-LJP alliance and the Congress, Kumar said, “It is unfortunate that these people have not seen the writing on the wall. The trends are positive and reflect that those making false claims or promises will face the music.”
Without naming RJD chief Lalu Prasad who had criticized the exit polls predicting victory for the NDA, Kumar said, “Media should not be criticized for its projection that NDA will pull off a landslide victory in Bihar.
“People should refrain from unnecessary criticism of the media …. if you live up to people’s aspirations and expectations you will definitely be rewarded,” Kumar said.
“Now I feel that the people have thrust on my shoulder more responsibilities and I have to continue to make efforts with full dedication.”
Kumar noted that there has been massive improvement in the law and order situation in the state in the past five years of NDA rule.
Pointing out that there were only stray incidents of violence during the staggered polls spread over a month, he thanked the Election Commission for its efforts to ensure a fair and peaceful voting.
Kumar said the Commission will definitely realize that there was a change in the law and order front in the state.
-PTI
