Defeat 'unexpected', says Naidu

Terming TDP's rout in the elections as "unexpected", Andhra's CM sounded unrepentant about the reforms his govt had initiated.

Terming TDP's rout in the Assembly elections as "unexpected", Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday sounded unrepentant about the reforms his government had initiated and promised to play a "positive and constructive role" in the Opposition.

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"I worked hard to develop Andhra Pradesh as a model state. I have no regrets. I fully accept the people's mandate and will support good policies of the new (Congress) government," Naidu told reporters.

He said "we did our best for the state's development".

Asked about his party's rout, Naidu said "it was unexpected".

However, he said it was too early to discuss the reasons for the defeat. "We will review the party's performance and come back to you giving reasons for our defeat. We need to analyse whether people merely voted for change or any other reasons influenced their decision," he said.

Riding high on anti-incumbency and a string of populist promises, coupled with Telangana factor, the Congress-TRS combine secured two-third majority in the 294-member House.