The Deputy Chief Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha on Thursday in Hyderabad said the poll debacle was a collective issue. Now all leaders must join and strive hard to ensure victory in future. He further said that the selection of candidates was a mistake by the Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy and he must own it. He becomes the third person in the series to blame the CM over the poll debacle, after KK and Vivek from the same party.

Talking to media persons at Assembly premises, Damodar Rajanarasimha stated that the by-election results have increased the responsibility of all leaders and they would have to work hard to strengthen the party at all levels. He said that the party would convene a meeting to find out the reasons for defeat of party's candidates in the by-elections.

Stating that Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy should own prime responsibility for the debacle, he asked him to rectify his mistakes made in selection of candidates. He said that the Chief Minister might have to quit his post, if he fails to accept his mistakes. Describing the by-poll results as a clear warning, he said that the party would fight collectively in the next by-elections. (With inputs from internet- AarKay)