Nitish used his first news conference after returning to office to extend a hand to the Centre.

"I will fully cooperate with the Centre and will expect cooperation from them too in the development of Bihar. The country can prosper only through mutual cooperation between the Centre and state. We (read JDU and BJP) may be face to face in our political doctrines but we have to work with mutual cooperation in the matter of governance," he said.

Nitish appeared more warm and accommodative of his Bihar BJP rivals as well. Before taking oath, a smiling Nitish took BJP leaders Sushil Kumar Modi and Nand Kishore Yadav in a tight embrace. While hugging Sushil Modi, Nitish murmured jokingly: " Aise hi chalega? (Should we go the way we are going)." His former deputy smiled back.

Nitish shook hands with Manjhi as well. Manjhi returned the smile. But they shied off embracing each other.