Development won over caste politics: Nitish Kumar

Patna : Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, who is all set to retain power in the state Assembly elections, on Wednesday attributed the JD(U)-BJP alliance win to victory of development over caste politics and pledged to work even harder for the development of the state.

Terming it a ?victory of the people of Bihar?, Kumar, addressing a press conference as results trickled in indicating a massive mandate in his favour, said, ?Bihar has left caste behind. The verdict in the elections is the people’s stamp of approval for that ending.?

In a sharp attack on Opposition Lalu Prasad?s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Ram Vilas Paswan?s Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), he said, ?People don?t want to read the writing on the wall.?

?Voters had to choose between progress and antiquated politics. They have chosen to surge ahead,? he said.

Pledging to work harder, he said, ?I promise the people of Bihar that we will work even harder than we have in the last five years. I will not shy away from hard work. We will face any tests together.?

?The massive mandate brings with it a great deal of responsibility. I will pray to God that I should be able to live up to the expectations of Bihar,? he added.

Underling that the Janata Dal (United)-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had used development as the main poll plank, Kumar said the alliance?s victory will change the way elections are fought in the country.

?Bihar has shown that development can win elections. The results will not only change Bihar but also have its reverberation outside the state,? he said.

Referring to the massive women?s participation, Kumar said, ?Women have voted in unprecedented numbers – this shows our progress. The youth is also key to this election and to the direction Bihar chooses.?

For the first time in Bihar?s history, women outnumbered the men in casting their votes with 54.85 per cent women voting against 50.70 per cent men.