From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, May 24: Terming the debacle in the just concluded Lok Sabha polls as "totally unexpected and unfortunate," Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and his Congress predecessor Siddaramaiah, who is also the chairman of the Congress-JD(S) coalition coordination committee, have turned stoic holding that victory and defeat were part of the democratic process.

Both Kumaraswamy and Siddaramaiah vowed to work for strengthening their respective parties and unitedly strive for the development of the State so as to win back the confidence of the people.

The JD(S) as well as Congress party would separately hold introspections and deliberate on the reasons behind the defeat in the lok sabha polls despite the good work done by the coalition government, Kumaraswamy and Siddaramaiah said in separate responses.

A chastened Kumaraswamy conceded defeat and said he respected the mandate of the people. "Obviously, the voters were carried away by the charisma and personality of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which resulted in the rout of both Congress and JD(S) candidates," he said.

"Our party has seen many victories and defeats over the years and the party workers need not lose heart on this loss. Let us strive to strengthen the party in the days ahead," the chief minister tweeted.

Kumaraswamy congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for emerging victorious for the second time, saying he respected the mandate of the people.

The Chief Minister also thanked the workers of coalition parties, JD(S) and the Congress, for the support and cooperation during the elections.

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah too tweeted on the same lines, saying the results were unexpected. "The electorate wanted a strong single party government led by a strong leader," he said.

While greeting the Prime Minister on his return to power for the second time, Siddaramaiah tweeted, "Winning and losing is an integral part of our electoral politics and this is the beauty of democratic process. Though the loss was unexpected, we humbly accept people' mandate. I thank all those who supported our candidates & our fight will continue."

Siddaramaiah, who is also the coordination committee chairman of the coalition parties, congratulated all those who were elected to the Lok Sabha from Karnataka.

Wishing them the best, Siddaramaiah said they would protect the interests of the people of Karnataka in Parliament in one voice. "Our focus is now on State’s development and strengthening the party. We must win back the confidence of the people," he said.