Victory and defeat are part of political process: Kiran Kumar Reddy

Observing that every defeat was a stepping stone to victory, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy today said Congress would emerge stronger in future.

"Victory and defeat are part of political process and every defeat is a stepping stone to victory. The Congress has seen many setbacks but everytime only emerged stronger," the Chief Minister said in an informal chat with newsmen here today, reacting to the party's drubbing in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.

Rahul Gandhi strove to secure victory for Congress in UP but could not succeed.

He said the outcome of elections in five states would not have any bearing on the ensuing by-elections in the state.

Kiran maintained that Telangana was not the issue in the by-elections in six constituencies in the region. "We will not campaign on the statehood issue as it is under the Central government's purview," he added. "Development alone cannot ensure victory or defeat," he said, in reply to a question.

In Kovur segment in coastal Andhra region, where the YSR Congress is also in the fray, the Chief Minister said the contest would be tough but "people will decide the victor."