Dinesh Gundu Rao offers resignation after Congress's defeat in Karnataka by-polls

After the decisive defeat of Congress in the Karnataka by-polls, state Congress President Dinesh Gundu Rao has offered to resign from the post of the party president in Karnataka. Congress Legislative Party (CLP) chief and leader of opposition Siddaramaiah has also resigned from his post.

Addressing the media, Rao said, "I have the moral and ethical responsibility. I had a feeling yesterday (Sunday) that something would go wrong and I discussed this with the high command and other senior leaders. Since the party did not win, I have the moral responsibility to resign. I am resigning as the KPCC President and I have informed all the leaders. I will send my resignation letter to AICC President Sonia Gandhi.”

READ | Karnataka Bypolls: BJP Trounces Congress & JDS By Winning 12 Seats; Siddaramaiah Resigns

READ | Siddaramaiah Today Looks Like Sanjay Raut Of Tomorrow: BJP Takes Jibe After Karnataka Win

Congress accepts defeat

Earlier in the day, senior Congress leader DK Shivakumar said that Congress has accepted the mandate. He added that people have accepted defectors while declaring that Congress has accepted defeat. Moreover, he said that no one can remove Congress from Karnataka.

READ | BIG: Smashed In Bypolls, Siddaramaiah Quits As Karnataka LoP & CLP Chief; Gundurao Too

Fifteen constituencies had gone to polls on December 5, the vote count and result of which was announced today. Prior to the election results, Congress had hinted at a post-poll alliance with JD(S). However, BJP won with a clear majority.

BJP needed a minimum of six seats to stay afloat in Karnataka but managed to win 12 while Congress won only two seats and one went to an independent candidate.

READ | ''BJP Has Used Muscle, Money Power To Win Karnataka Polls'': Congress Leader Kharge