Nitish Kumar Says Bihar Election Proves People Want Strong Alternative At Centre

08 November, Patna

In his first comments after the victory of the Mahagathbandhan in the Bihar Assembly poll, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today said the election verdict had shown that the people were looking for a strong alternative to the BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre.Addressing a press conference along with RJD chief Lalu Prasad, he acknowledged that the election outcome in Bihar would have national ramifications.

”I hope the bitterness of the election has ended today and we will get full cooperation on the Centre in running the state,” he added.

Kumar said he had received telephone calls from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other national leaders, congratulating him over his victory in the Assembly poll.An attempt, he said, was made to polarise the election but people in the state had rejected outright those who tried to vitiate the atmosphere.

”I wish to congratulate the people of Biharit is the victory for the self-respect of the people of Bihar,” he said. All sections of the people in the state had voted overwhelmingly for the Mahagathbandhan. Prasad said there was no dispute over the leadership in Bihar. ”Nitish Kumar would be the chief ministerthere is no dispute on this.”