We accept this defeat which we never ever expected: Oommen Chandy

Kottayam (Kerala), May 19: As the Congress-led UDF suffered a rout in the Kerala assembly elections, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said on Thursday that his party never expected such a defeat.

"In democracy, the choice of the people is final. We accept this defeat which we never ever expected," a stunned Chandy told the media at his home at Puthupally near here.

"We felt we would return (to power) but this has not happened. We will now sit down to introspect," he said.

The United Democratic Front (UDF) suffered one of its worst defeats in Kerala.

The Congress, which had 39 legislators in the outgoing assembly, was set to win 23 of the 140 seats. The UDF itself will have to be content with 46 seats.

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) led by the CPI-M was set to win 92 seats. The BJP won one seat. P.C. George, who contested as an independent, was also declared elected.

"As the chairman of the UDF, I take responsibility for this debacle," said Chandy, who has been elected 11 times from Puthupally.

IANS