I own responsibility for UP poll defeat: Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi, who was the face of Congress campaign in Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday owned responsibility for the party's dismal performance which he termed as a very good lesson for him.

Appearing before the media as the election results were coming in, Gandhi said he took in his stride the poll outcome and expected victories as well as defeats in his efforts to improve the political system of the country.

"I own the responsibility for this. This is one of my defeats and I take it in my stride," said the young Congress General Secretary who extensively toured Uttar Pradesh and addressed over 200 rallies during the month-long campaigning.

Gandhi said he was trying to improve the political system of the country and his work would continue irrespective of today's electoral result.

"I expect to have victories along the way and I expect to have defeats. I take it in my stride. I think, it is a very good lesson for me," he said, adding "I think it will make me think in detailed ways which I like to do."