Post poll survey predicts re-run of Nitish govt in Bihar

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s popularity continues to prevail as the JD(U)-BJP alliance is poised to rule Bihar for the second term as the sixth and final round of voting in state asssembly polls came to an end today.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s popularity continues to prevail as the JD(U)-BJP alliance is poised to rule Bihar for the second term as the sixth and final round of voting in state asssembly polls came to an end on Saturday.

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A CNN-IBN-The Week post poll study clearly shows JD(U)-BJP alliance returning to power for a second term with a projected 185-201 seats -- way ahead of its closest rival RJD-LJP combine.

The RJD-LJP alliance, it looks like is heading for its worst ever performance with only 22-32 seats. The Congress is projected to be at a distant third place with 6-12 seats with independents, Left and Others ending up with 9-19 seats, according to the study.

The CNN IBN-The Week study projected JD(U)-BJP alliance set to emerge as the single largest alliance in Bihar with 46% vote share, followed by RJD-LJP alliance at a distant second position with 27% votes. The Congress remains at third position with 9% of vote share.

54 % of voters preferred Nitish Kumar as the CM for a consecutive term, way ahead of his closest rival RJD chief Laloo Yadav. Rabri-Lalu fall way behind with only 28% preferring either of them to head the government.

In the last elections, held in October 2005, Nitish Kumar was the preferred choice as CM with 43% of voters choosing him showing an improvement in his record.

It’s not only Nitish Kumar’s individual popularity, but his government too is riding a high with a significant 60% of voters suggesting they would want his government to rule the state again. Only 29% want a change in power in the state.

A staggering 78% voters said they were satisfied with the JD(U)-BJP government where only 19% appeared to be dissatisfied.

Nitish government's development seems to have worked effectively for voters in Bihar. A significant 55% of respondents placed Bihar on the development ladder at medium level and 17% placed it at high level.