Patna.
Set to rule Bihar for another five years, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar thanked his supporters for their “overwhelming support” to the Mahagathbandhan. He emphasized that every segment of society in Bihar, irrespective of religion, caste, dalit, OBC, tribals had extended their support to their 3 party alliance.
Nitish came across as very polite and inclusive in his victory speech. “We will respect the opposition leaders and hope we all can come together without rancour and work for the progress of Bihar. We will not be arrogant in our victory and will never mock at the opposition for their electoral loss” promised Nitish.
He also said that he hoped for co operation from the PM in development of Bihar.
Lalu, on the other hand, not bound by any premises of politeness has thrown a challenge to Modi and his government.
“We will now fight for change in Delhi” promised Lalu. “The happiness that can be seen among all Indians about the Bihar results shows that no one wants politics of divisiveness. ”
Lalu Prasad Yadav also disclosed in his tongue in cheek way that ‘he has heard from his secret sources’ that Modi might be on his way back to Gujarat. He mentioned Benaras also and said “Ganga ma had Modiji there, but now, we have looked everywhere in this holy city with our lantern ( Lalu’s election symbol) and we do not find any development work carried on there either”.
Bihar paving a way for strong third front?
Nitish did not fail to mention all the CMs who had called to congratulate him.
“Kejriwal has called me, Chandrababu too, so has Mamta Banerjee and Mulayam Singh Yadav, they are all happy with our vitory” he said. He did not fail to mention Shiv Sena President Udhav making a congratulatory call too.
Lalu disclosed that the three parties that had fought elections together as a ‘gathbandhan’ The United Janata Dal, Nitish Janata dal and Congress had disclosed their candidates list together and also published a common manifesto.
It was a clear portend for political alignments and how elections will be fought in the years to come.
In that respect, Bihar is definitely going to be a national game changer.
