Janata Dal (United) leader K.C. Tyagi speaks to Ananya Dasgupta on the Bihar mandate, Nitish Kumar’s legacy and the road ahead.

Q: Were you surprised by the scale of the NDA sweep?

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A: Not surprised at all. We always said JD(U) would cross 80 seats on its own. In 2020, we won 43 seats because Chirag Paswan’s LJP cut into our votes in almost 40 constituencies and Upendra Kushwaha’s party also took a few more. This time, with a clear NDA front, a sympathy wave for Nitish Kumar and his track record, the result was on expected lines.

Q: What, in your view, did the Bihar voter really vote for this time?

A: Primarily for Nitish Kumar’s clean image and performance. He is seen as a leader who does not indulge in money-making or dynasty politics. The voters saw the progress in law

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