New Delhi: Shortly after resigning after the stunning defeat of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee tonight (May 13, 2004) said "our hand of cooperation" would be extended to the new Government in all its endeavours that are in the interest of the nation and the people.

"We have given up office, but not our responsibility to serve the nation. We have lost an election, but not our determination," he said in an address to nation.

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"Victory and defeat are a part of life, which are to be viewed with equanimity," he said.

Vajpayee said, "We will always extend our hand of cooperation to the new Government in all its endeavours that are in the interest of the nation and the people".

Vajpayee, who submitted his resignation to President A P J Kalam this evening at Rashtrapati Bhavan, said, "Elections to the 14th Lok Sabha are over. The voters have given their verdict. I accept the verdict."

The Prime Minister had a special word of thanks to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for once again reposing their faith in democracy and for giving a firm rebuff to the forces of militancy.

"India has shown its resolve and capability to overcome the challenge of cross-border terrorism," he said.

Referring to the "historic" peace process with Pakistan, he said, "It will remain my lifelong wish to see that we herald a new chapter of peace, cooperation and friendship in South Asia, with the People's Republic of China and with other nations in the world."