Tuesday, November 22 2005 16:47 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: As the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) headed for a landslide victory in Bihar, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) President Lalu Prasad today (Nov 22, 2005) conceded defeat and assured to extend 'constructive cooperation' to the Nitish Kumar-led Government.

He, however, accused the NDA of having misled the backward classes, depressed sections and the minorities, but spared Lok Janashakti Party (LJP) President Ram Vilas Paswan any criticism saying, "He was nowhere in the battle."

"I feel relieved the people of Bihar gave us 15 years to rule and now they will test those who have promised to banish crime in three months and usher in a new era of development," he told reporters who patiently waited outside his wife Rabri Devi's 1, Anne Marg residence for more than six hours for an audience.

"I bear no grudge to anybody,'' he said and refuted the charge that he had spread the poison of casteism.

Asked if the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government at the Centre will extend cooperation to the NDA regime in Bihar, the RJD strongman said, "Absolutely, I am committed to the development of the people of Bihar and it is immaterial who comes to power."

On whether he held the Election Commission responsible for the electoral loss, he said, "I blame nobody. But names of a large number of weaker section and minority community voters were deleted from the electoral rolls and our supporters and even candidates like Vijay Prakash were mercilessly beaten up by the police."

"Still, I congratulate Nitish Kumar on his victory,'' he added.