Congress says 'humbly accept mandate of MP, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan'; battle of ideology to continue

New Delhi: Congress on Sunday sounded dejected at the results from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh but insisted that it will continue with the battle of ideology and resolve to "rebuild and revive" the party while finding solace in the victory in Telangana.

Party president Mallikarjun Kharge minced no words when he said their performance in the three states has "no doubt been disappointing". He, however, promised that with determination, they reaffirm their strong resolve to rebuild and revive ourselves in these three states.

"I thank the people of Telangana for the mandate we have received from them. I also thank all those who voted for us in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan...The Congress party fought a spirited campaign in all these four states. I acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of lakhs of our workers. We will overcome temporary setbacks and prepare ourselves fully for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections along with the INDIA parties.

Former party chief and chief campaigner Rahul Gandhi said he humbly accepted the mandate of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan while insisting that the "battle of ideology will continue". 

"I am very thankful to the people of Telangana - we will definitely fulfil the promise of making 'Prajalu' (people's) Telangana. Heartfelt thanks to all the workers for their hard work and support," he added.

Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh sought to find positives in the defeat as he recalled Congress' similar record 20 years ago. He said the Congress "had lost the state elections in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, while winning only Delhi. But within a few months, the party bounced back and went on to emerge as the single largest party in the Lok Sabha polls and formed the government at the Centre. It is with hope, confidence and a firm sense of resolve and resilience that the Indian National Congress prepares for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls".

Congress General Secretary and Madhya Pradesh in-charge Randeep Surjewala congratulated the BJP on victory, expressing hope that it will live up to the expectations of the voters by fulfilling all its promises and guarantees.

"We have been ordered to sit in the opposition (in MP) and we have to continue raising the voice of the farmers, youth, women, Dalits, tribals, backward and deprived people of the state," he added.