The Information and Broadcasting minister and senior Congress leader Ambika Soni today said that the election results in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab did not match party's expectations. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Ms Soni said the poll outcome was a lesson for the party, but will not affect the UPA government at the Centre in anyway. Party leader Rajiv Shukla also admitted that the results, especially in Punjab, were disappointing for the party.

Mr Shukla, however, said that Congress has improved its previous tally in Uttar Pradesh. Union Law minister Salman Khursheed said the Congress has made some interesting gains in Uttar Pradesh. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Mr Khursheed said there are some disappointments also for the party.