Sweets came 10 days ago

There were no crowds, no slogan-shouting mobs and no bursting of crackers. In short, there was no sign of a landslide victory inside Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar's official residence in Patna on Wednesday.

The atmosphere outside the house mirroring the mood of its occupant - calm, composed and businesslike.

"Raviji, now you have to ensure power. I have promised it at every election meeting," he told principal secretary (energy) Ravikant as hundreds of people lined up to congratulate Kumar.

Lots of sweets came in as did bouquets. Kumar met well-wishers, partymen and winning candidates in his lawn and asked them to prepare for the work that lay ahead.

"I need everybody's support," he said.

Kumar, who spent the initial hours watching TV in his house, joined MLC Devesh Chandra Thakur, Sanjay Singh, Rajya Sabha MP RCP Singh and his secretaries after trends for more than 100 seats arrived.

Soon, a pick-up van loaded with mineral water bottles, sweets and samosas arrived at his residence and this was enough to pass the message that Nitish Kumar was heading for his second successive term in office.

Such was the level of confidence at the chief minister's house, that orders for the refreshment had been placed 10 days ago.

"I received orders for two types of sweets and samosas 10 days back," said Chandu Lal, the caterer.

The first bouquet was brought by OP Shah, former president of the Bihar Chamber of Commerce. "It was especially made in Kolkata," said Shah.

Kumar went to the Raj Bhawan at 10.45 am to submit his resignation. By the time he came back before noon, the trend was turning into a tide.