Sharad Yadav on why NDA took a beating

After the stunning defeat of National Democracy Alliance in Lok Sabha polls, knives were out with its convener Sharad Yadav holding that Varun Gandhi's 'hate statement' and projecting of Narendra Modi as future prime ministerial candidate had caused immense harm.

"It may be right or wrong or he (Varun's) might have denied but his statement has caused immense damage. His statement was unconstitutional. It was against the country's unity and must have affected the polls," Yadav told media persons.

Asked whether references that Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi could be a future prime ministerial candidate had affected the prospects of NDA, Yadav, who is also Janata Dal-United president, said the eruption of the issue in deed had confused the people.

"It was a factor. When the issue had come up, it created confusion among the people's mind. Since the NDA had already declared a Prime Ministerial candidate (L K Advani) unanimously, the issue should have been dismissed immediately," he said.