Nitish congratulates people for supporting NDA

Patna, Nov 9 (UNI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today congratulated the people of Nalanda and Bhagalpur for 'overwhelmingly' ensuring the victory of NDA candidates in the by-election to the parliamentary constituencies.

''People from all sections, irrespective of their caste and religion, have supported the NDA as we are committed to maintaining communal harmony and mutual co-existence,'' Mr Kumar said after the results were declared.

He said the people had voted for the NDA candidates in view of the alliance's good performance during its one year rule.

Referring to the minorities' support to NDA candidates, he said it would have its repercussion on the results of elections scheduled in other states. ''We are sensitive to the problems of minorities and all steps are being taken for their welfare and alround prosperity,'' he affirmed.

BJP candidate Shahnawaz Hussain, who won from Bhagalpur, said the people of all sections had supported him despite attempts of the opposition to create a division on caste and communal lines.

JD (U)'s Ram Swaroop Prasad, who won from Nalanda, said the electorate had approved the guiding philosophy of the NDA government of development with social justice.

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