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 on Saturday.

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.