The result of bypolls at the Bilari (Moradabad) and Jangipur (Ghazipur) seats has jolted the Congress, which is undergoing a revamp supervised by poll strategist Prashant Kishor and his team.
In both seats, Congress candidates lost their deposits which is set to take the frustrate PK, who has been meeting district leaders seeking suggestions on reviving the party ahead of the Assembly polls.
While in Bilari, Congress candidate Sishu Pal Singh could manage merely 3670 votes despite there being a 40,000 strong dalit presence and the BSP not fielding a candidate. Similarly in Jangipur, Congress candidate and district party chief Shailesh could manage only 6852 votes.
The performance of Congress candidates has naturally exasperated the state party brass as they had a role to play in selection of candidates.
While defending PK, a senior leader said, " If any one is to blame for the debacle, it should be those who selected the candidates. PK had nothing to do with the by-polls."