Having lost to Congress in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand chief minister B. C. Khanduri on Tuesday tried to put up a brave face as he thanked the voters for giving BJP their ‘blessings’ in the state and admitted that he could not devote ‘due time’ to his constituency.
"I am really thankful to the people of the state for giving my party their blessings in the elections," Khanduri told reporters here.
He said he had very little time to lead the BJP in the elections but claimed to have done lots of good work for the state during this short period.
"I did not have any magic wand but I tried to do my best during this short period of 3 months and 14 days," he said.
Khanduri expressed his gratitude to the party and its workers for supporting and reposing a great faith in him.
"I initiated some good works but they could not be completed. However, I want this state to be seen as model state which should be devoid of corruption," he said.
"This state was formed for the purpose of development, stop migration of youths and eradicate corruption. I hope this state will now move in that direction," he said.
Referring to his defeat at Kotdwar, Khanduri said: "I admit that I could not give due time to the people of Kotdwar during electioneering."
"I felt that the entire state is my constituency and I had been representing Kotdwar during 1991 to 1997 and the voters there knew me very well. Despite this fact, whatever verdict has been given by the people, I accept with all humility," he said. He said he also congratulates Congress candidate from Kotdwar S. S. Negi for his victory.
"Whatever, the promises I have made with the people of Kotdwar, I will try to fulfill with my full capacity," he said.