BJP concedes defeat in Shivpuri bypoll

Bhopal, June 5 (UNI) Conceding defeat in the Shivpuri assembly by-election, the ruling BJP in Madhya Pradesh today said it accepted people's verdict, while the Opposition Congress termed its victory as the beginning of significant changes in the state politics.

Madhya Pradesh BJP President Narendra Singh Tomar said defeat in elections was part and parcel in democracy. However, the reasons behind the defeat would be analysed.

State BJP spokesperson Umashankar Gupta said the shadow of tragic incident against Gujjars in Rajasthan could not be denied in the by-elections.

He said the party would find out the causes that led to its defeat.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader and former Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sriniwas Tiwari said people were disillusioned by the BJP. He claimed that the Congress snatched poll victory despite adverse circumstances.

Leader of Opposition Jamuna Devi said the outcome was the result of anti-people policies of the government. She said the poll verdict would intensify internal dissent within the party and there were chances of a fourth Chief Minister in the state.

She congratulated Congress MP Jyotiradiyta Scindia and party workers for the victory.

Expressing happiness over the poll verdict, state Congress President Subhash Yadav said the victory was symbol of growing confidence of people in UPA Government's policies.

He congratulated party nominee Virendra Raghuvanshi and party workers for the victory.

UNI