Karnataka’s Chief Minister Basavraj Bommai has conceded defeat on behalf of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Karnataka state election.
“We accept the verdict of people of Karnataka with due respect. We will take this verdict in our stride. We will analyze and correct our fault lines, rebuild the party and (make a) comeback during parliamentary elections (in 2024),” Bommai wrote on Twitter.
Talking to reporters in his home state, Bommai noted that in spite of “a lot of efforts by the Prime Minister and the BJP”, the party failed to make a mark.
The admission of defeat from the outgoing state chief came as the counting of votes was still ongoing.
According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), Congress is leading or has won 137 seats. The BJP, on the other hand, is leading or has won 62 seats.
As of 1445 hours IST, 62 seats have been called, with Congress winning 33, and BJP candidates emerging victorious in 15 seats, as per the ECI.
Congress Reacts to Its Victory
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hailed his party’s win in Karnataka as a “victory of the people” of the state.
“It is a victory of love over hatred,” Gandhi told reporters in New Delhi.
The Indian opposition has been critical of the BJP’s politics and has often accused the federally governing party of wedging a divide between the Hindu and Muslim communities for political gains.
Gandhi also said that all five major promises made by the Congress party during its election campaigning—200 units of free power, free foodgrains, pensions for women and unemployed people—will be approved during the first Cabinet meeting of the new government.
DK Shivakukmar, the president of the state Congress, and Siddaramiah, an ex-state chief, appear to be the most prominent contenders for the chief ministerial position.
Shivakumar has said that the final decision on the matter will be taken by the Congress "High Command," which includes Rahul Gandhi, former party President Sonia Gandhi, as well as Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.