 "Is Shashi Tharoor’s breakup with Congress inevitable?")
 "‘Naxalism will end in India by March 2026’: Amit Shah at CRPF Raising Day parade")
The pre-poll surveys and exit polls have failed to give any direction to where Bihar is headed. While the pre-poll surveys yielded confusing results with some giving it to the NDA and others giving it to the Grand Alliance, exit polls have predicted it will be a close call. The BJP right after the exit poll numbers hit the television screens had dismissed them while Lalu Prasad Yadav held a press conference claiming that the Grand Alliance will emerge victorious with nothing more than 185 seats in the 243 seat assembly. [caption id=“attachment_2498130” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  A file photo from the Bihar Elections. AFP[/caption] While most exit polls predicted a neck and neck fight. Today’s Chanakya — which had correctly predicted the Delhi Assembly Elections and the Lok Sabha Elections — said that the NDA will emerge victorious. Experts also claimed that it won’t be a close call, whichever side wins it will be a clear majority. Firstpost Editor Akshaya Mishra had earlier noted that , “The BJP, if it performs according to the way the exit polls suggest, has many lessons to take from the Bihar election. One, it cannot go on making Narendra Modi and his oratory, its only unique selling proposition. Both might have lost the novelty quotient from overuse. Two, it cannot let the Hindutva forces to dictate its agenda and lead it away from the theme of governance. The backlash is visible. Three, it has to develop a new theme for its campaign. The 2014 template won’t work anymore. Four, the party needs to deliver on the ground. Despite claims of the government, it’s not visible yet.” However, the exit polls have maintained the suspense and we don’t know if it will be a Grand Alliance win. Meanwhile experts suggest that if the secular Mahagathbandhan loses it has only one person to blame — Lalu Prasad Yadav. Nitish may be looked at as a favourite for the post of CM, it is Lalu’s corrupt image that experts say that would pull the alliance down. Firstpost editor Sandipan Sharma had noted , “Unfortunately, Lalu Prasad Yadav is the proverbial mother-in-law that comes as a package with the groom in this election. Bihar has to just decide if it can accept the groom in spite of his in-laws. This is the only choice in the election. The BJP has tried its best by raising a din over Lalu Prasad Yadav. Its campaign has been centred on portraying him as the deal breaker in the purported alliance between Biharis and Nitish Kumar.” But then again, Today’s Chankya findings pointed to anti-incumbency in the state that could spell doom for Nitish Kumar. When asked ‘How will you rate the working of the state government?’ the survey found that 41 percent found it was poor, 27 percent thought it was average and only 22 percent thought it was good. Even the working of Nitish Kumar as a chief minister was criticised by 38 percent of the respondents, 30 percent thought it was good and 18 percent thought it was average. Now, with the exit polls done one can only find out who’ll be the winner only as the counting begins from 7 am onwards.
As it happened: Voters reject NDA politics, give Grand Alliance thumping victory in Bihar
Bihar counting begins from 7 am onwards, and as both the exit polls and pre poll survey has thrown confusing numbers at us, it is only the actual results that can give us some direction. We follow each and every update live in this blog.
 "As it happened: Voters reject NDA politics, give Grand Alliance thumping victory in Bihar")
An early diwali for Nitish Kumar
Party workers celebrated at Nitish Kumar’s residence in Patna. The JD(U)-RJD-Congress combine swept the Bihar Assembly Election and were leading with 178 seats. The win marks a hattrick term for Nitish Kumar, who as Lalu said will be the chief minister of the state.
Celebrations at Nitish Kumar's residence in Patna #BiharResults pic.twitter.com/kfQprim6Kv
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2015
“Nitish ji, Lalu ji and Rahul’s hard work has paid off,” says Shatrughan Sinha.
CNN-IBN pointed out that BJP overestimated the Manjhi factor and paid for it. The channel added that one more reason for its loss could be PM Modi’s barbs at Lalu which helped him emerge as the target of the upper caste conspiracy.
Also, BJP’s beef politics might not have gone down well with the voters in Bihar, who have bigger problems to look out for. BJP’s failue to project a CM candidate and run the entire election just under the name of Modi and Amit Shah could be another reason for the massive drubbing that the alliance received in the state.
I would request my party to introspect its shortcoming and take action: Shatrughan Sinha, BJP #BiharResults
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2015
Lalu Yadav, Nitish Kumar and Rahul Gandhi's hard work has paid off: Shatrughan Sinha on #NitishReturns pic.twitter.com/R9EIWx9lJp
— News18 (@CNNnews18) November 8, 2015
Despite all my efforts &coming from the masses I wasn't called during elections: Shatrughan Sinha, BJP #BiharResults pic.twitter.com/dt4kvj8xMg
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2015
I have always stated that Bihar Elections will give new dimension to Indian politics: Sharad Pawar,NCP #BiharResults pic.twitter.com/8spz28F2AG
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2015
“I had tried telling my party not to do ’negative politics.” Shatrughan Sinha reacts to BJP’s loss in Bihar Elections.
Obviously I am sad, I had predicted the writing on the wall: Shatrughan Sinha #BiharResults pic.twitter.com/bgrWwzbf1F
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2015
Obviously I am sad, I had predicted the writing on the wall: Shatrughan Sinha #BiharResults pic.twitter.com/bgrWwzbf1F
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2015
I had tried telling my party to refrain from doing 'negative' politics but I was not called by them: Shatrughan Sinha, BJP #BiharResults
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2015
Only 2.5% of electorate opts for NOTA in Bihar elections
There were few takers in the Bihar Assembly polls for the ’none of the above’ option which was introduced by the Election Commission in 2013 following a Supreme Court judgement.
According to figures made available by the poll body, 9,13,561 voters opted for the NOTA option in the state which has 243 assembly seats.
Percentage-wise, around 2.5 per cent voters hit the NOTA button which is placed as the last option on the electronic voting machine. Out of a total of over 6.68 crore voters, 56.80 per cent had exercised their franchise, the highest ever in Bihar’s history, be it Assembly or Lok Sabha polls.
First Delhi, now Bihar; BJP’s loss in Bihar is Modi’s personal defeat: Left
The Left parties today said the Bihar mandate underscored Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “personal defeat” and reflected inception of “good days” for people who rejected RSS-BJP’s “communal politics” for “secular and democratic” values.
It said the rejection was handed first in Delhi now Bihar.
Congratulating JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar and RJD chief Lalu Prasad following the grand alliance’s victory in the Assembly polls, the Left parties stressed, the struggle for “better India” intensifies from here on.
Rajya Sabha member, D Raja, echoed similar views and termed JD(U)-RJD-Congress grand alliance’ victory as “decisive”.
CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury observed the verdict ensured beginning of “good days” for people as they rejected alleged communal polarisation by RSS-BJP and its “so-called” development agenda. “People’s acche din have begun, first Delhi, yesterday Kerala and today Bihar.
The subtext of the verdict is very clear that is people have rejected the communal polarisation that was going on by the RSS and BJP and rejected the claims of so-called development agenda of the government,” Yechury said.
“Congratulations to Lalu ji, Nitish ji, people of Bihar & India. The bitterness the BJP tried to inject was defeated. First Delhi, then Kerala and now Bihar, People making their own Achhe Din. “Nitish ji, Congratulations, well done. Now, for bigger battles. Lalu ji, Congratulations. Ek behtar Bharat ke liye, ab sangharsh tez hoga,” he said in series of tweets.
PTI
Congratulations to Lalu ji, Nitish ji, people of Bihar & India. The bitterness the BJP tried to inject was defeated. @cpimspeak
— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) November 8, 2015
First Delhi, then Kerala and now Bihar, People making their own Achhe Din. @cpimspeak
— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) November 8, 2015
Nitish ji, Congratulations, well done. Now, for bigger battles. @NitishKumar @cpimspeak
— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) November 8, 2015
Nitish ji, Congratulations, well done. Now, for bigger battles. @NitishKumar @cpimspeak
— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) November 8, 2015
Lalu ji, Congratulations. Ek behtar Bharat ke liye, ab sangharsh tez hoga. @laluprasadrjd @cpimspeak
— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) November 8, 2015
We will introspect over shortcomings," says Sushil Modi
Sushil Modi, speaking with the media today, said that the NDA won less seats than expected and “we will introspect over shortcomings in coming days.”
NDA won less seats than expected, we will introspect over shortcomings in coming days: Sushil Modi #BiharResults pic.twitter.com/EKwvLOyxUH
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2015
We will extend our full support to the Govt for development in state, will play role of constructive opposition: Sushil Modi #BiharResults
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2015
I congratulate Nitsh ji and Lalu ji: Sushil Modi
“We will support Grand Alliance whole heartedly. We will help them in state’s functioning as a good Opposition,” says Sushil Modi, who could have been the Chief Minister if BJP-led NDA alliance had won.
People have given clear majority to Mahagathbandhan, it's good that it's not a fractured mandate: Senior BJP leader Sushil Modi
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2015
#NitishReturns | Sushil Modi: I called Lalu Yadav & Nitish Kumar to congratulate them on their victory
— News18 (@CNNnews18) November 8, 2015
People have given clear majority to Mahagathbandhan, it's good that it's not a fractured mandate: Senior BJP leader Sushil Modi
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2015
Clear mandate in interest of state, we respect the verdict given by the people of Bihar: Sushil Modi #BiharResults pic.twitter.com/G0KPZ6uijg
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2015
“If you try to divide people on communal lines, people will not tolerate it. Now, Modi ji should change his style. He should sit himself down and manage affairs of the country. Price rise is driving people crazy and Modi ji is busy planning foreign trips,” says Arvind Kejriwal.
Arvind Kejriwal: Modi is the face of intolerance, he is interfering in Delhi govt through LG #NitishReturns
— News18 (@CNNnews18) November 8, 2015
LIVE: https://t.co/0oylhk7Wp5
Arvind Kejriwal to CNN-IBN: If Modi's interference in states continues, CMs will come together #NitishReturns pic.twitter.com/Gj0euB5ksS
— News18 (@CNNnews18) November 8, 2015
#EXCLUSIVE | Arvind Kejriwal: Hatred of politics will not be tolerated, we will come together against it
— News18 (@CNNnews18) November 8, 2015
LIVE: https://t.co/0oylhk7Wp5
Arvind Kejriwal speaks to CNN-IBN about his friendship with Mamata Banerjee and Nitish
All good people are friends, smiles Kejriwal. “The Centre cannot keep interfering in state’s functioning. It’s people’s mandate and Modi ji should respect that.”
When asked that why is he friends with Chief Ministers who are at loggerheads with PM Narendra Modi, Kejriwal says don’t politicise the situation. “It is about issues that we bond on. There is nothing personal here.”
#EXCLUSIVE | Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: Bihar results were very important as there was politics of hatred being played #NitishReturns
— News18 (@CNNnews18) November 8, 2015
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to CNN-IBN on #NitishReturns: Delhi & Bihar results have proved that people are upset with Modi's style of working
— News18 (@CNNnews18) November 8, 2015
#NitishReturns | Arvind Kejriwal to CNN-IBN: Modi got a large mandate but he failed to live upto the expectations pic.twitter.com/cCazWrZ6oN
— News18 (@CNNnews18) November 8, 2015
People of Bihar taught RSS, BJP a lesson: Rabri Devi
“The people took note of the way BJP was causing price rise, their issues over reservation and cow slaughter,” former Bihar CM Rabri Devi told Times Now. “RSS and BJP called the rule under Lalu Prasad ‘jungle raj’. The people of Bihar taught them a lesson.”
KCR congratulates Nitish Kumar
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao congratulated Nitish Kumar for his stupendous success in the Bihar assembly elections.
According to a statement issued by the Telangana CM’s office, Rao hoped that his Bihar counterpart would live up to the expectations of the people by offering good governance. – PTI
Two star performers in Bihar, but there's only one man of the match: Lalu Prasad - https://t.co/vDd5DTExP9 pic.twitter.com/XG49tlC519
— Firstpost (@firstpost) November 8, 2015
The 2015 Bihar polls will be a milestone in Indian politics: Nitish Kumar #BiharResults https://t.co/1nX6IgVyK3
— Firstpost (@firstpost) November 8, 2015
Jitan Ram Manjhi loses from Makhdumpur by 26,670 votes, reports have said.
Meanwhile, CNN-IBN reported that the latest numbers put BJP-led NDA alliance at 58 seats as JD(U)-RJD-Congress surges ahead with 179 seats.
#NitishReturns | We are yet to decide the date for oath taking ceremony: Nitish Kumar pic.twitter.com/Qmsq2yByU8
— News18 (@CNNnews18) November 8, 2015
Nitish Kumar stays mum on deputy CM’s post for Lalu Prasad’s son.
“These things are not discussed at a press conference,” says Nitish.
Nitish Kumar: there is a growing desire in the country for a strong opposition, it is also the requirement of a functioning democracy.
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2015
Mulayam Singh ji ki hum sab log izzat karte hain, hum logon ki taraf se unke prati samman mein na koi kami thi, na hai aur na rahegi: Nitish
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2015
BJP had its eyes on Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal; It wanted to move eastwards,Bihar stopped them in tracks: Lalu Yadav #NitishReturns
— News18 (@CNNnews18) November 8, 2015
“Jin patrakaron ko maine kuch bola tha, ab jo hum log jeet gayein hain, wo main ab wapas leta hoon” epic closing line from Lalu Prasad Yadav.
Even Gandhi would be ashamed if he saw the way India was being divided today: Lalu Prasad #BiharResults https://t.co/1nX6IgVyK3
— Firstpost (@firstpost) November 8, 2015
Questioning Modi’s courtesy call to Nitish, Lalu said, “Badhayee dena toh courtesy ki baat hai, lekin Modiji dil se diye hain ya nahi?”
“After Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks, the people of Bihar understood that they want to end quotas. Nitish will be governing Bihar. So he won’t take a big part in our andolan against BJP.”
Nitish will be governing Bihar. So he won't take a big part in our andolan against BJP: Lalu Prasad https://t.co/1nX6IgVyK3
— Firstpost (@firstpost) November 8, 2015
After Mohan Bhagwat's remarks, the people of Bihar understood that they want to end quotas: Lalu Prasad https://t.co/1nX6IgVyK3
— Firstpost (@firstpost) November 8, 2015
Badhayee dena toh courtesy ki baat hai, lekin Modiji dil se diye hain ya nahi? asks Lalu Prasad https://t.co/1nX6IgVyK3
— Firstpost (@firstpost) November 8, 2015
“BJP is not a party, it is a mask”
'This election was not a problem for us, but we will cause problems in Delhi': Lalu Yadav #Bihar pic.twitter.com/EFB4rHU6Xs
— NDTV (@ndtv) November 8, 2015
'There was an attempt to communalise these elections. But the people of #Bihar defeated that attempt': Lalu Yadav https://t.co/fDssHeE789
— NDTV (@ndtv) November 8, 2015
“Modi is acting like a RSS manager.”
Narendra Modi mistook Bihar for Haryana and Maharashtra, says Lalu Prasad Yadav. “Modi is acting like a RSS manager. Hum thoda khol ke bolte hain, ye (Nitish kumar) thoda dhak ke bolte hain (I say openly, Nitish says it with subtlety),” says Lalu.
“BJP tried every trick in the book to divide Bihar. But this is not any other state. It is hard to uproot Nitish from Bihar politics.”
Chunaav ke dauraan chaahe jo kuch bhi hua ho, hum apne kaam mein uss se prabhaavit nhi honge, hum positivity ke saath kaam karenge: Nitish
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2015
We don't hold grudges against anyone, whatever hppnd during #BiharElections won't affect our functioning, will work with positivity: Nitish
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2015
We respect our Opposition in Bihar, want to work in consensus with everyone to develop Bihar: Nitish #BiharResults pic.twitter.com/9Osx1tL5ew
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2015
People across nation definitely wish for an effective opposition,we will respect our opposition:Nitish #BiharResults pic.twitter.com/oDL34udLuz
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2015
“People of Bihar have voted against the hate politics. Poeple want an alternative to BJP in national politics.”
Speaking about grand alliance, Nitish said that the alliance worked in perfect tandem and has earned the victory. “We will accept the mandate with extreme humility and work to develop Bihar.”
Bihar understands the role it plays in the national context: Nitish Kumar https://t.co/1nX6IgVyK3
— Firstpost (@firstpost) November 8, 2015
We will respect the Opposition in Bihar: Nitish Kumar https://t.co/1nX6IgVyK3 pic.twitter.com/XoBc0tXOm8
— Firstpost (@firstpost) November 8, 2015
People of the country want an alert and strong opposition: Nitish Kumar https://t.co/1nX6IgVyK3
— Firstpost (@firstpost) November 8, 2015
Goodmorning? Not. Lalu Prasad falls asleep
And as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar speaks to the media, Lalu Prasad Yadav, his friend and brother for these elections, finds it difficult to keep eyes open.
He is seen yawning, and waking up and then falling back to sleep. It does not come as a surprise, as he woke up and gave us the first quotable quote of counting day before everyone else.
Wake up Lalu ji, you won!
“The Bihar election results will have an impact in the arena of national politics. But this also means that we need a strong Opposition and as the ruling party we will respect the Opposition. We would want to work together with the Opposition for state’s development. Even pradhan mantri ji has congratulated us. With the help of Centre, I think we can go ahead with positive aspirations.”
There was a lot of aggressive campaigning during Bihar polls: Nitish Kumar https://t.co/1nX6IgVyK3 pic.twitter.com/r5t2deQXGf
— Firstpost (@firstpost) November 8, 2015
But the people of Bihar saw through the aggressive campaigning: Nitish Kumar https://t.co/1nX6IgVyK3
— Firstpost (@firstpost) November 8, 2015
Hum logon ke mann mein koi, Bihar ke sandarbh mein, kisi bhi prakar ka, kisi ke prati koi durbhavana nhi rahegi: Nitish Kumar
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2015
Nitish Kumar says that despite the aggressive campaigning in the run-up to the elections, there is no hard feelings towards any political leader or party.
“This is a huge victory which suggests people of Bihar have aspirations, we will match up with their expectations.”
Mahagathbandhan has worked in unity &will continue to do so for the development of Bihar: Nitish Kumar #BiharResults pic.twitter.com/0gdcU1l7q2
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2015
This is a huge victory which suggests people of Bihar have aspirations, we will match up with their expectations: Nitish Kumar #BiharResults
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2015
Nitish Face + Lalu Base = Two-thirds majority, says CNN-IBN.
Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad arrive for the media briefing in Patna. We see the duo in a strong embrace.
“I congratulate the people’s mandate and I want to tell them that this victory is Bihar’s and its people. People of Bihar have revealed what they really wanted out of this elections. I want to thank them. It’s a win for Bihar’s pride.”
“The grand alliance has worked for this victory. Each and every worker deserves this victory.”
Congratulate ppl of Bihar, this is their victory,this is victory of Bihar's 'Swabhimaan': Nitish Kumar #BiharResults pic.twitter.com/obj2Y54NPS
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2015
Modi govt is committed to give Rs 1.25 lakh-crore economic package for Bihar: Rajnath
The Centre is committed to provide the Rs 1.25-lakh-crore economic package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Bihar, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said today as he congratulated Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and RJD chief Lalu Prasad for their victory in assembly polls.
As JD(U)-RJD led Mahagathbandhan headed for a landslide victory, Singh said the BJP and the central government respect the mandate given by the people of Bihar.
“The economic package for Bihar is a commitment given by the Prime Minister which will be fulfilled by the Centre at all cost,” he said here. Singh said he hoped that the government in Patna will lead Bihar on the path of peace and progress. He called up both Kumar and Lalu and congratulated them for their party’s victory. The Home Minister also congratulated JD(U) President Sharad Yadav.
“Spoke to Shri Nitish Kumar over the phone and congratulated him on his party’s victory in Bihar assembly elections. Congratulated RJD president Shri Lalu Prasad and JDU president Shri Sharad Yadav on their party’s performance in Bihar Assembly elections,” he said.
The economic package for Bihar is a commitment given by the Prime Minister which will be fulfilled by the Centre at all cost
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 8, 2015
Congratulated RJD president Shri Lalu Prasad and JDU president Shri Sharad Yadav on their party's performance in Bihar Assembly elections
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 8, 2015
Nitish Kumar will address the media in a while.
After a landslide victory, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav hailed the Bihar mandate and said that Nitish Kumar will continue to be the Chief Minister of the state.
#NitishReturns All quiet in 1, Polo Road, Patna, Sushil Modi's Residence@SumitpSumit sends us this image. pic.twitter.com/OiDmHmWtC6
— News18 (@CNNnews18) November 8, 2015
According to CNN-IBN, Grand Alliance surges ahead with 177 as BJP-led NDA alliance falls below the 60-seat mark
#NitishReturns
— News18 (@CNNnews18) November 8, 2015
Mahagathbandhan surges ahead
NDA falls below the 60 mark
LIVE: https://t.co/em16lEJfkR pic.twitter.com/qfTOetjUjd
We will fulfill the wishes of women who voted for us, says Lalu
Lalu congratulating Nitish Kumar said, “There is no RJD, JD(U), but there is only Mahagathbandhan. Nothing can stop us now.”
“We will fulfill the wishes of the women of different classes who voted for us,” Lalu says, and also scold some people addressing them as “burbak”.
“Netas of the country have congratulated Nitish Kumar. We have accepted that but we won’t forget our fight,” Lalu said.
“Modi govt, RSS govt will be razed to the ground,” he says, then yells some more at the crowd (Kya kar rahe ho, arrey!) because of being interrupted.
It even makes Nitish laugh.
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