The scene is clear and it’s a clear sweep for Nitish and Lalu. The JD(U) led ‘Mahagathbandhan’ has emerged victorious in the mega battle for Bihar. Despite heavy political campaigning and poll blitzkrieg in Bihar throughout, the BJP has failed to recreate the May 2014 magic.
With this victory, Nitish Kumar has joined the hattrick league and Lalu has made a resounding comeback. The party workers from both RJD and JD(U) are celebrating and rejoicing on the big victory as the Janta has given their verdict; they have chosen to remain with their old preferences and has refused to give BJP a chance.
Let’s take a look at who is saying what on the results.
PM Modi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called up Nitish Kumar and congratulated him over his victory.
Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister, Bihar: Bihar Chief Minister thanked voters for their support.
I thank the people of Bihar for their overwhelming support & blessings for the Mahagathbandhan.
— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) November 5, 2015
I also congratulate the EC & the election staff for their efforts in ensuring smooth & peaceful polling across all the 5 phases.
— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) November 5, 2015
Bihar has voted ! I congratulate the people of Bihar on the huge turnout. The spirit & power of democracy has won.
— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) November 5, 2015
Omar Abdullah, NC leader: NC leader Omar Abdullah also congratulated Bihar Chief Minister over his victory.
Heartiest congratulations on a well deserved victory @NitishKumar sahib. Your victory will prove critical for the nation in the days ahead.
— Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) November 8, 2015
Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena: “This is a big win for Nitish Kumar. He has emerged as a political hero.”
“When Congress loses, then it’s (president) Sonia’s (Gandhi) responsibility. Similarly, BJP must accept that Bihar’s result is Modi’s responsibility.”
Shatrughan Sinha, BJP MP: It appears that all is not well between Sinha and his party as he put his heart out to congratulate the grand alliance over their victory and snubbed his own party.
It appears that the issue of Bihari vs Bahari (and Bihari Babu's absence) has been settled once and for all.
— Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) November 8, 2015
Sharad Yadav, JD(U) Chief: I congratulate people of Bihar, I think we will get close to 150 seats. JD(U) on trends showing Mahagatbandhan leading.
Chandan Mitra, BJP RS member: In future, I think Nitish Kumar will be regretting that he has not allied with BJP.
Mamata Banerjee, CM, West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee congratulated Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav for their victory.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah: This election was projected as a political war between Modi ji and Nitish Kumar. Nitish Kumar has won in this battle.
Rahul Gandhi, Congress President: This is a victory of unity over divisiveness. Humility over arrogance. Love over hate. A victory of the people of Bihar.
Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP: Shashi Tharoor congratulated Nitish Kumar and Rahul Gandhi on twitter.
What an amazing result. Congratulations to @NitishKumar @laluprasadrjd @OfficeOfRG &above all to people of Bihar https://t.co/Nqj7I24s7E
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) November 8, 2015
Let's not forget2congratulate @OfficeOfRG for being the architect of Mahaghatbandhan. Thanks @INCIndia for showing the way. #OppositionUnity
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) November 8, 2015