No doubt it is an unexpected verdict: Oommen Chandy

Stunned by the shocking defeat in the assembly polls, Kerala Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Oommen Chandy on Thursday said the results were "a setback" and the party and the United Democratic Front headed by him would discuss in detail the reasons for the "unexpected" rout.

A visibly upset Chandy, however, dismissed suggestions that the UDF decision to field tainted leaders as candidates in the crucial poll was the reason for the Congress-led alliance's defeat.

The Congress leader said he as the UDF chairman has more responsibility in its defeat in the elections.

"No doubt it is an unexpected verdict. We didn't expect such a defeat. Both party and the UDF have responsibility in the defeat. I have more responsibility because I am the chairman of the front," Chandy told reporters.

Asked whether the party's decision to give tickets to the tainted ministers had backfired, he said "I don't think so. But we will meet and discuss (the defeat) at party level and the UDF level," he said.

While Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee Chief V M Sudheeran had opposed candidature of Congress leaders, including Excise Minister K Babu and Revenue Minister Adoor Prakash in the elections on grounds
that they faced corruption charges, both Chandy and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala had thrown their weight behind their ministerial colleagues.