New Delhi, May 23: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday conceded defeat hours after the leads emerging from Lok Sabha election results 2019 showed the party suffering another rout. He congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the "landslide win", contending that the nation has placed trust in him.

"In a democracy, people are the king. Whatever mandate they deliver, we have to adhere to it," the Congress chief said, further adding that he would make no excuse for the decisive defeat his party has suffered. Congress Set To Miss Leader Of Opposition Post Yet Again as BJP Leads On More Than 300 Seats

"At this moment, I want to congratulate Narendra Modi. We fought him on ideological grounds. We hope that he lives up to the people's expectations," he added.

The Gandhi scion also accepted that he been defeated from his home constituency of Amethi by BJP leader and Union Minister Smriti Irani.

"I have lost from Amethi. I appeal Smriti Irani ji to take care of Amethi and live up to the voters' expectations who have given her the mandate," he said.

In the general elections, the Congress saw its tally marginally improving from 44 to 50, as per the leads emerging by the time this report was published. The overall UPA tally hovered around 90 constituencies.

On the other hand, the BJP scripted history as it is likely to win more than 300 seats. The overall NDA tally will near the 350-mark, according to the leads.

Party patriarch LK Advani issued a statement crediting PM Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah for achieving the unprecedented victory.

"Heartiest congratulations to Narendrabhai Modi for steering BJP towards this unprecedented victory in elections. Amitbhai Shah as BJP President and all dedicated workers of the party have put in enormous effort in making sure that BJP's message reaches every voter," he said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 23, 2019 06:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).