Bihar Defeated BJP's Attempt to Communalise: Lalu Yadav

New Delhi: Bihar has picked Nitish Kumar to be its chief minister for a third straight term, handing the Grand Alliance that he leads a big win in the assembly elections. The alliance is now leading in 178 seats, with the BJP camp trailing at only 60 seats.

Mr Kumar addressed a press conference with RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav. Below are the highlights of their speech:

Nitish Kumar

• This is a victory for people of Bihar, victory for Bihar's self-respect
• We have support from all sections of the society
• During the election there was an aggressive campaign and there were efforts to do everything. Rejecting all of that, the people of Bihar was chosen us. This is a big win, and we accept it with humility
• This result shows people have certain aspirations. Bihar should progress quickly.
• Before the election RJD, JDU, Congress have shown unity. The mandate has also been in favour of the unity
• We will work with the same unity. We will not be affected by Whatever happened during the campaigns. We will work with positivity.
• It is clear now that on the national level, people wish for a powerful opposition.
• We don't have any negative feelings towards our main opponents. But in a national context we understand the aspirations of the people. So we hope take this alliance ahead.
• Deve Gowda, Sonia, Rahul Gandhi, Chandrababu Naidu, Uddhav Thackeray, Mulayam Singh have congratulated us.
• Sushil Kumar Modi also called us. We thank all of them. This is a victory of the people, this a victory for the Grand Alliance.
• All three parties announced candidates together. We launched a common manifesto.
• The responsibility we have been given, the faith that we've got. We will work without any ill will.
• People have proven wrong the reports of a close fight
• People have voted against intolerance and for democracy

Lalu Prasad Yadav

• The mandate we have received says Nitish Kumar will be the chief minister. There is no problem in that; the problem will be in Delhi.
• After this win, we will take on Delhi. I will go to Varanasi
• Bihar defeated BJP's attempt to communalise
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted make his way to Kolkata but Bihar sent him back packing. And I can't express how much people are rejoicing.
• BJP is no party, it is a mask
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi must be sad. He Has congratulated Nitish ji, it is a nice thing. But I don't know if he did it from the heart.
• If I have offended anyone from the media, now that I have won, I take it back