Lalu and I understand each other well: Nitish Kumar
Sanjay Ojha | TNN | 42 mins ago
TNNNitish Kumar (L) and Lalu Prasad greet each other after Mahagathbandhan's (Grand Alliance) victory in Bihar assembly elections.
Soon after the Mahagathbandhan trounced the NDA in the elections widely described as a test of popularity between him and Narendra Modi, chief minister Nitish Kumar spoke to TOI's Sanjay Ojha. Excerpts:
You campaigned in almost every constituency and interacted directly with people. Did you ever expect this kind of a sweeping victory?
I am a man who believes in hard work and honesty. I never think of winning margins or how many seats I am going to get. This time too, I did not spend my time calculating the outcome. I just moved around explaining my dreams and ideas to the people.
Initially, trends emerging from counting centres were in favour of NDA. How did you feel during the early hours of counting?
Anyone who is familiar with the counting process and the nitty-gritty of elections will remain calm and composed. Initial results were based on postal ballots. There was nothing to worry about. Frankly speaking, some of my well-wishers were quite disturbed. But I was sure we would win.
READ ALSO: 'Son rise' for RJD, other scions fail
What kind of a relationship will you have with Laluji?
We two share a close relationship. We understand each other well. We know how to work for the development of the state and people who have given us such a great mandate.
A few days before the elections, you'd made seven promises to the people of the Bihar. Could you please tell us how you're going to fulfil them?
I have seven pledges to fulfil: 35% reservation for women; student credit cards; free wi-fi in colleges and universities; free electricity to every household; all-weather roads in every village; monthly stipends for unemployed youths; Rs 500 crore venture capital for government-supported start-ups. It's my commitment to the people, who have reposed so much faith and confidence in me, I will get them fulfilled.
You campaigned in almost every constituency and interacted directly with people. Did you ever expect this kind of a sweeping victory?
I am a man who believes in hard work and honesty. I never think of winning margins or how many seats I am going to get. This time too, I did not spend my time calculating the outcome. I just moved around explaining my dreams and ideas to the people.
Initially, trends emerging from counting centres were in favour of NDA. How did you feel during the early hours of counting?
Anyone who is familiar with the counting process and the nitty-gritty of elections will remain calm and composed. Initial results were based on postal ballots. There was nothing to worry about. Frankly speaking, some of my well-wishers were quite disturbed. But I was sure we would win.
READ ALSO: 'Son rise' for RJD, other scions fail
What kind of a relationship will you have with Laluji?
We two share a close relationship. We understand each other well. We know how to work for the development of the state and people who have given us such a great mandate.
A few days before the elections, you'd made seven promises to the people of the Bihar. Could you please tell us how you're going to fulfil them?
I have seven pledges to fulfil: 35% reservation for women; student credit cards; free wi-fi in colleges and universities; free electricity to every household; all-weather roads in every village; monthly stipends for unemployed youths; Rs 500 crore venture capital for government-supported start-ups. It's my commitment to the people, who have reposed so much faith and confidence in me, I will get them fulfilled.
