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.

Six killed in shooting in main square of Krakow, police say
Russian strikes hit power facilities around Kyiv, damage major bridge
Heavy rains flood tents housing displaced Palestinians, aid shortages worsen
Qatar says its mediation efforts between US and Iran continue to prevent escalation
Pope Leo urges South America to bridge divides on Uruguay-Argentina border
