Nitish says council poll no reflection of people's opinion

Patna, Jul 10: With BJP-led NDA winning maximum number of seats in the Legislative Council poll from local bodies, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today said the election outcome did not reflect people's opinion as only limited number of voters participated in it.

"This election was contested at local level in which limited number of voters participated...it does not reflect people's opinion," Kumar told reporters here.

Out of 24 seats, 18 results have been declared so far and of them BJP won 10, ruling JD(U) four, its associate party RJD two and two went in the kitty of Independents.

The election was the first test of coming together of Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad before the state Assembly poll later this year. Kumar, however, said since every election was important the JD(U) would review the poll to identify shortcomings and try to overcome them.

Taking a potshot at BJP for expressing ecstasy over the victory, he said "If they wish to live in 'khusfami' (happy illusion) who can stop them. But the poll outcome does not reflect the future trend." Kumar said the saffron party borrowed candidates for the Legislative Council seats from JD(U) and RJD who had influence in their areas and this turned results in their favour.

PTI