Indian National Congress party chief Rahul Gandhi has conceded defeat in India's elections.
"During my campaign, I had stressed that it's about the people's verdict, and today the people have chosen their leader," he said during a brief press meeting at the Congress party headquarters.
Rahul refused to delve into what is wrong, saying, "India has decided and we have to respect that."
He congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party on the victory.
The BJP has won in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and secured leads in West Bengal, Odisha, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Only Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh appeared untouched.

Israeli airstrikes kill eight people on highway south of Beirut
Philippines' Senator says arrest imminent, urges public to block ICC transfer
UK's Starmer faces biggest challenge yet as resignation threat overshadows King's Speech
Israel steps up attacks on Gaza since Iran truce, as military says Hamas rearming
Trump says he does not need China's help to end Iran war
