Patna: Narendra Modi, set to be India's next prime minister, will receive no congratulations from one man - Lalu Yadav.
"I can't offer congratulations to Modi. I am not an opportunist," the Bihar politician declared.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was among the first rivals to wish Mr Modi as trends emerging from the counting of votes for the national election showed a BJP sweep.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, who had sparred with the BJP leader during the campaign, also offered her congratulations.
Lalu Yadav, who has always been one of Mr Modi's fiercest critics, had last month controversially taken Mamata Banerjee's cue to compare the Gujarat Chief Minister to a "butcher".
"Even a butcher is ashamed of Narendra Modi. Should this person become the PM of India?" he said.
Lalu, head of the Rashtriya Janata Dal or RJD, contested the election in Bihar in alliance with the Congress, which has been routed across the country.
The RJD leader has suffered embarrassment on his home turf with his wife Rabri Devi and daughter Misa Bharti both losing in Saran and Pataliputra. He had worked hard in these constituencies as these were prestige battles for him.
Mr Yadav had won from Saran in 2009, but was defeated in Pataliputra by Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United.
He did not contest this time as his conviction in a corruption case meant he cannot fight elections for a few years.
"I can't offer congratulations to Modi. I am not an opportunist," the Bihar politician declared.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was among the first rivals to wish Mr Modi as trends emerging from the counting of votes for the national election showed a BJP sweep.
Lalu Yadav, who has always been one of Mr Modi's fiercest critics, had last month controversially taken Mamata Banerjee's cue to compare the Gujarat Chief Minister to a "butcher".
Advertisement
Lalu, head of the Rashtriya Janata Dal or RJD, contested the election in Bihar in alliance with the Congress, which has been routed across the country.
Advertisement
Mr Yadav had won from Saran in 2009, but was defeated in Pataliputra by Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
"To Cover Up Delays...": Centre On Mamata Banerjee's Letter On Rape Cases "I Apologise At Shivaji's Feet": PM Modi In Maharashtra On Statue Collapse PM Modi Lays Foundation Stone Of One Of India's Largest Deep Water Ports Vadhvan INDIA's "Hit With Footwear" Protest In Mumbai Over Shivaji Statue Collapse Celebrated "Russian Spy" Whale Hvaldimir Found Dead In Norway: Report "It's Mom, I Love You": Mother Of Israeli-American Found Dead In Gaza Thousands In Australia Without Power Amid Heavy Rains Exclusive: Actor Says Won't Give Up #MeToo Fight Despite Legal Threat BPSC 69th CCE Mains Result Out, Check Direct Link Here Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.