Patna, June 8 (IANS) The decision that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will lead the anti-BJP alliance in the assembly election triggered celebrations in the RJD, JD-U and Congress ranks in Bihar.

A group of party leaders and workers distributed sweets at the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) and Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD) offices, expressing their happiness over the announcement made in New Delhi.

"We are really happy. It was bound to happen," JD-U spokesperson Ajay Alok said. The election is likely to be held in September-October.

The Congress is expected to be part of the RJD-JD-U combine.

RJD leader Ramanuj Prasad said this development would strengthen the social support base of Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar. "Both will consolidate their social support."

JD-U state president Vashisht Narain Singh said: "It is a big development to defeat the BJP."

Congress leader Prem Chandra Mishra called it a positive step. "The BJP and its allies are shocked as they have been trying hard to foil it."