Polarising won't work anymore, we are watching the Centre: Nitish Kumar
Patna: 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.
While he steered away from making any direct mention of the BJP, the Chief Minister in an indirect attack said ‘Bihar poll outcome will have national implications as it makes it clear people have a strong alternative at 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’.
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.
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He also asserted that despite the bitter campaign, he will not hold "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 JD(U) leader also noted that despite an aggressive campaign by the BJP-led NDA 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.
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He was accompanied by RJD chief Lalu Prasad and Bihar Congress chief Ashok Chowdhary.
"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.
The grand alliance is heading towards a clear majority. Results and trends available so far show that the alliance has bagged 13 seats and is ahead in 127. The BJP-led NDA has won two seats and is leading in 61 seats. Independent and others have bagged one seat and are leading in seven.
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