Rahul Gandhi can't be singled out for Congress' poll debacle: Oommen Chandy

The UDF led by Chandy lifted 12 of the 20 seats, which include 8 from the Congress. Side-by-side national issues, the performance of his government was also a key campaign theme in Kerala.

"What is important is that the defeat should be taken in a positive spirit. The party leaders and functionaries at all levels should work more closely with the people. They should go to the people and never look at the electorate as adversaries who handed out defeat to the party," Chandy, seen as a popular Congress Chief Minister, said.

"Being the most popular party with its presence in all over the country, Congress can revive itself quickly if the reasons for the defeat are ascertained and corrective measures taken, wherever they are necessary."

Chandy, who is entering the fourth year of his present term as Chief Minister, said the success of Narendra Modi-led Government would depend upon its ability to deliver the promises the NDA made during the campaign.