NDA upbeat, RJD terms it 'episodic', Cong calls for unity

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar is pumped up with the BJP's emphatic victory in Delhi to dethrone Arvind Kejriwal's AAP and is hoping for a repeat in Bihar, when the state goes to polls later this year.

- Arun Kumar

PATNA:

The NDA has set its eyes on 225 out of the 243 seats in Bihar Assembly and along with the Pragati Yatra of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the joint NDA Yatra is also on across the state to seize the early initiative and put up a unity show.

The timing of the two yatras with full force ahead of the Budget session is also significant, as analysts feel there could be a possibility of early election to surprise the opposition to cash in on the momentum.

"It cannot be ruled out, as public memory is short, though I don't think Nitish will like it early," said social analyst and former director of AN Sinha Institute of Social Studies DM Diwakar.

Diwakar said it was quite natural for the BJP to feel upbeat, as it would have more bargaining power. However, the Delhi verdict also has a lesson for the Opposition that their fragmentation would help the BJP. So, Congress may not like to put much pressure on the RJD for seats in the changed scenario.

Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary of the BJP said the Delhi verdict had a clear message that the people would not accept anything corrupt. "Unfortunately, all those challenging NDA are soaked in corruption. Bihar people have tasted the fruits of Nitish-model NDA government's governance and would never like to go back to the lanterns and lawless age," he added.

Though JD-U and LJP-R, which contested one seat each in Delhi, could not make hay in the saffron wave, the impact of the Poorvanchalis and migrants from Bihar was conspicuous in the poll. Five candidates with Bihar roots won the election - three from the BJP and two from AAP - and the Poorvanchalis had a direct influence on several other seats.