KOCHI: LDF candidate Dr Jo Joseph responds as Thrikkakara by-election enters its final phase.

‘Congratulations to the winner. I sincerely did as possible the task assigned by the party. Have not seen the election personally. The party will look into other matters after the counting of votes is completed. I was confident until this moment. Thank everyone who stood with me. There is no need to comment personally on the defeat. The party will look into the matter after the counting of votes is completed. Fully accepts defeat. There is still time to examine the reasons. The party will not go backward with just one defeat. It is a good thing that Uma has won the hearts of Thrikkakara. The defeat was unexpected,’ said Jo Joseph.

Meantime, Uma Thomas is leading by 23,000 votes.