Patna: While addressing a rally for the third phase of Bihar elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday said that this is his 'last election' sending shockwaves across the nation. Kumar was addressing a public meeting in Purnia's Dhamdaha constituency.
JD(U) supremo said, "This is the last day of election. Polling for the third phase will end the day after tomorrow. Ant bhala to sab bhala (All's well that ends well)." The statement by the ruling party chief has raised eyebrows in the political circle.
In this context, ETV Bharat's regional news editor Braj Mohan Singh said that this is a victim card by Kumar which in turn has provided an opportunity to the people of Bihar to think about his claim of 'good governance'.
Singh added, "It was Nitish Kumar who had pulled Bihar out from the era of darkness in 1990 and has worked for the development of the state. He declared a liquor ban in the state despite the economic distress, presenting an example to the world. Kumar always worked in accordance with the roadmap and has always discussed his ideas and vision with the public."
"However, today he is being questioned in connection with the rising unemployment, health and education facilities in the state as people from Bihar are forced to move to other states for better job opportunities," he added.
Nitish Kumar if voted to power will be the sixth chief minister of the state. However, the question still remains that what prompted Kumar to make such a big announcement. Despite getting support from BJP, Kumar's statement also saw several reactions from the opposition parties.
READ: Ongoing Bihar elections the last of my career: Nitish Kumar
Reaction of the opposition parties
Reiterating that Bihar needs a change, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, "The statement by CM Nitish Kumar reflects that NDA camp has accepted defeat. We have been telling this from the very start that Bihar needs a change and people have accepted Mahagathbandhan."
Reacting to this, RLSP Chief Upendra Khushwaha said, "Nitish in his rally has accepted that he has reached his last stage. He is tired now and everything is crystal clear now. He is like my big brother and I will tell him to shower his blessings on me."
What did BJP say?
Accusing the opposition of creating chaos, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said, "NDA is determined to win 210 seats in Bihar and people of the state trust, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The opposition is trying to create an atmosphere of confusion because they are afraid. Nitish Kumar has served Bihar for 15 years and this time too, he will become the Chief Minister."
Nitish has accepted defeat, says RJD
RJD chief spokesperson Mritunjay Tiwari said that Nitish Kumar has accepted his defeat. Tiwari said that Nitish is now aware that NDA is going to lose this time as he is not trustworthy.
He added, "Nitish Ji had said that he will not join BJP at any cost, no matter what happens. But now he is contesting with BJP. He has lost the trust of the people."
What says JDU leaders?
Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Harivansh on Thursday said that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will stay in politics. He said, "I'd like to clarify that Nitish ji has said that this is his last election. He is and will stay in politics."
"Jan leje aaj chunav ka aakhri din hai aur parson chunav hai aur ye mera antim chunav hai. Ant bhala, to sab bhalla (Know that today is the last day of elections and the day after is the election. And this is my last election. If the end is good, everything is good)," Nitish Kumar said at the rally.
READ: Don't vote for those who won't come to seek blessings again: Chirag Paswan
