In his first public statement after the Bharatiya Janata Party's defeat in the general election, former deputy prime minister Lal Kishenchand Advani on Friday said that no single "party, group or individual" won a clear mandate.

In rediff.com: Historic verdict, says Advani

Describing the poll results as 'fractured and divided', Advani said: "We never expected such a verdict and it won't be wrong to say that nobody else also expected this, including our rivals who are in the government now."

Asserting that the election results implied that people wanted "broad consensus" to be the basis of policies to be
implemented, Advani said: "I hope government understands [this] and acts accordingly."

Reviewing the election results, Advani said there is evidence now that the central government's India Shining campaign hurt the NDA.

He admitted that the two catch phrases used extensively by the BJP in its campaign -- feel good factor and India shining -- did not benefit the party.

Accepting the verdict of the people, he said the BJP will now act as a "constructive opposition."