BJP has conceded defeat in Himachal Pradesh with the state chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal accepting it and saying that he would congratulate Virbhadra Singh for the win.
Dhumal however won from his constituency Hamirpur, defeating Narinder Thakur of the Congress by over 9,000 votes. Senior BJP leader Shanta Kumar also said that the party has accepted the poll verdict. The Congress has said that the victory in Himachal is a tribute to the collective leadership and unity of the party in the state.
"We accept the verdict. All people in the BJP had fought elections together. The people did not vote for us. We accept it," Shanta Kumar, a former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister told reporters here.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal appeared prepared to accept the worst.
"Whatever people decide is good. It would be good if they support us, and good even if they don't. I will welcome the decision of people," he said as trends showed a decline in the party's fortunes.
The Congress, which put up a spirited campaign under former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, is all set to return to power in Himachal Pradesh.
The party was leading in 35 seats in the 68-member Assembly. BJP was leading in 23, while 'Others' led in four seats having won in one. Congress had won 23 seats and BJP 41 in the 2007 polls.