Saturday, September 3 2005 19:13 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: Terming as 'appropriate' the Election Commission's long-awaited announcement of polls in Bihar from October 18, senior Janata Dal (JD) United (U) leader Nitish Kumar today (Sept 3, 2005) said the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was ready to fight the battle to provide justice to the people in the state.

"It is appropriate but after a long wait. We had demanded that the EC hold one-day elections in Bihar, preferably in October. Even though it will require a lot of energy, we welcome the dates announced by the EC," Kumar, NDA Chief Ministerial candidate, told sources over phone from Gaya, while reacting to EC's announcement of a staggered poll schedule for Bihar.

Kumar, who is currently on a 'Nyay (justice) Yatra' against the dissolution of the state assembly by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government at the Center, said he was already on a campaign trail in Bihar.

"We have been fighting for a long time for providing justice to the people in the state," he said.

Kumar demanded that the Commission take steps for holding 'free, fair and peaceful elections.