Himachal Pradesh election result highlights: Congress wins 40 seats, returns to power; BJP claims 25
Himachal Pradesh Election Results 2022 highlights: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress face each other in the election crucial for incumbent chief minister Jai Ram Thakur.
Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jai Ram Thakur on Thursday accepted defeat in the hill state as the BJP won 25 seats and got dethroned. The Congress, which was leading in a majority of 68 seats, won 40 of them according to the final results released by the Election Commission of India (ECI)....Read More
Follow complete coverage of Himachal Pradesh assembly election results here
The party that wins 35 seats is declared the winning party with a clean majority in the elections. In the 2017 assembly elections, the BJP had won 44 seats and the Congress 21, with one seat going to CPI(M), and two to independent candidates.
Catch latest updates on Himachal Election Results 2022 as the counting proceeds.
Congress wrests control by bagging 40 seats, BJP claims 25
Congress won the Himachal Pradesh assembly election by bagging 40 seats, according to the final result updated by the Election Commission of India (ECI). The BJP ended up with 25 seats, while the AAP managed to win only five.
A look at the vote share of the two parties
In terms of vote share in Himachal, Congress is only marginally ahead of the BJP having 43.90 per cent of votes compared to 42.99 per cent of its arch-rival. Others have garnered a 10.4 per cent vote share in the hill state.
'Rebels let down BJP, even 'Modi factor' didn't work', says Congress
BJP tried to nip anti-incumbency in Himachal Pradesh by dropping 11 of its 44 MLAs. But, that boomeranged and led to a full-scale rebellion. Many of the rebels could not be pacified and it is being believed that it costed the party 10-odd seats – a crucial difference that may have caused it power.
A family feud too: Congress' Dhani Ram Shandil defeats son-in-law to retain Solan seat
Veteran Congress leader Dhani Ram Shandil retained the Solan seat in Himachal Pradesh, defeating his nearest BJP rival and son-in-law Rajesh Kashyap. Dhani Ram Shandil, a retired army colonel and the oldest candidate in the fray at 82, had maintained a lead over Rajesh Kashyap right from the start, and the final margin of victory was 3,858 votes.
‘Not afraid of poaching…’: Pratibha Singh as Congress leads in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh Congress chief Pratibha Virbhadra Singh said that the party is not worried about poaching, as she called Congress' victory in the state an "emotional moment".
The Congress leader said “It is a very emotional moment for me as I can see the same kind of support from people as it was for the late Virbhadra Singh. Chandigarh is an easily accessible meeting point for MLAs and we are not worried about poaching.”
'Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra helped...': Mallikarjun Kharge on Himachal results
As Congress was poised to form government in Himachal Prades, party president Mallikarjun Kharge said Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra has contributed in party's performance in the hill state.
"We have won the Himachal elections. I want to thank the people, our workers and leaders as due to their efforts this result has come. I want to thank Priyanka Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra also helped us with this. Sonia Gandhi's blessings are also with us," Mallikarjun Kharge said.
Jai Ram Thakur tenders resignation, congratulates Congress on its victory
Outgoing Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jai Ram Thakur tendered his resignation and congratulated the Congress party on its victory.
PM Modi on Himachal Pradesh Election results
"I thank the people of Himachal Pradesh for the affection and support for the BJP. We will keep working to fulfil the aspirations of the state and raise people’s issues in the times to come," PM Modi tweeted.
Six-time Congress MLA Asha Kumari loses in Dalhousie
BJP candidate D S Thakur defeated six-time Congress MLA Asha Kumari in Himachal Pradesh's Dalhousie assembly seat by a margin of 9,918 votes, according to the Election Commission.
Asha Kumari was among the chief ministerial probables in Himachal Pradesh.
Himachal Pradesh Election Results: Congress officially touches majority mark
Congress officially touches majority mark in Himachal Pradesh, the Election Commission site showed.
Former Congress state chief Kuldeep Rathore wins Theog
Former Himachal Pradesh Congress chief Kuldeep Rathore won from Theog assembly seat in Shimla district, defeating the BJP's Ajay Shyam by 5,269 votes, according to the Election Commission.
The stakes were high for Kuldeep Rathore, who was contesting for the first time.
Congress' Bhawani Singh defeats forest minister Rakesh Pathania to retain Fatehpur seat
Incumbent Congress MLA Bhawani Singh won the Himachal Pradesh's Fatehpur seat by defeating his nearest rival forest minister Rakesh Pathania with a margin of 7,354 votes.
The contest for Fatehpur was keenly watched as Rakesh Pathania, who has won three times from Nurpur assembly seat, was shifted to the constituency.
'Heartfelt thanks... promises will be fulfilled': Rahul Gandhi thanks Himachal voters after Congress' win
"Heartfelt thanks to the people of Himachal Pradesh for this decisive victory. Hearty congratulations to all Congress workers and leaders. Your hard work and dedication really deserves the best wishes for this victory. I assure you again, every promise made to the public will be fulfilled at the earliest," Rahul Gandhi said.
Himachal's CM to be picked by Congress high command, says party leader
The chief minister of Himachal Pradesh will be picked by the Congress high command, a party leader said.
Sudhir Sharma, who has won his seat defeating BJP's Rakesh Choudhary by 3,285 votes in the Dharamsala constituency, said, "I am grateful to the people of Dharmsala. This election has been fought by the people of Dharamshala."
In Himachal Pradesh, 'kingmaker' Kangra lives up to tradition, votes out BJP
Kangra, which figures as Trigarta kingdom in the Hindu epic Mahabharata and has the distinction of tilting political scales ever since it was merged in Himachal Pradesh in 1966, has again lived up to the tradition of voting out the ruling party. Read more
Cong's Dhani Ram Shandil retains Solan, defeats son-in-law and BJP candidate Rajesh Kashyap
Veteran Congress leader Dhani Ram Shandil has retained his Solan seat in Himachal Pradesh, defeating his nearest BJP rival and son-in-law Rajesh Kashyap.
Who will be the next chief minister of Himachal Pradesh?
The question still has no answer yet. Although Pratibha Singh, congress chief in Himachal Pradesh said that legacy cannot be ignored. Late Virbhadra Singh's wife, Pratibha Singh added that she is thankful to the people of Himachal Pradesh for the party's showing in the elections.
Visuals from Himachal Pradesh Congress chief Pratibha Singh's residence
Minister Ram Lal Markanda loses from Lahaul and Spiti
Himachal Pradesh Minister Ram Lal Markanda lost from Lahaul and Spiti assembly seat to his nearest Congress rival Ravi Thakur by a margin of 1,616 votes, according to the Election Commission.
Chief minister Jairam Thakur on Himachal elections
"I respect people's mandate & I want to thank PM & other central leadership during last 5 yrs. We'll stand for the development of the state irrespective of politics. We'll analyse our shortcoming and improve during the next term," Outgoing CM Jairam Thakur said.
Chief minister Jairam Thakur concedes defeat as Congress set to oust BJP in HP
With the Congress on track to defeat the BJP and return to power in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Jairam Thakur conceded the party's defeat, saying he respected the verdict given by the people. He stated that he would soon be head to the governor's office to submit his resignation.
Jairam Thakur on Himachal election results
“I will tender my resignation to the Governor in a short while from now”, Outgoing Himachal Pradesh CM Jairam Thakur said.
Himachal Pradesh Election results with Hindustan Times: Independent candidate Hoshiyar Singh wins from Dehra
Independent candidate Hoshiyar Singh won the Dehra assembly seat, defeating his Congress rivals by more than 3,500 votes in the Himachal Pradesh poll results. Hoshiyar Singh defeated Rajesh Sharma by a margin of 3,877 votes.
BJP's Dilip Thakur wins in Sarkaghat constituency of Mandi district
BJP's Dilip Thakur won from Sarkaghat constituency of Mandi district with a thin margin of 1,807 votes, defeating Congress's Pawan Kumar.
A crucial update: BJP wins 7 of 10 seats in Mandi district, Congress in 1
So far, BJP has won seven out of ten seats of Mandi. Congress has won one. Results of two more yet to be declared.
BJP's Deep Raj wins Karsog seat by 10,534 vote margin
In Karsog seat, BJP candidate Deep Raj, a first timer, won by a margin of 10,534 votes against Congress's first timer Mahesh Raj . This time, the BJP had denied ticket to sitting MLA Hira Lal.
Congress hopeful of forming government in Himachal, party says
The Congress party is hopeful of winning its "magic number" but is waiting till the final results of the Assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh are announced.
The State Working President of Himachal Pradesh Congress, Yadupati Thakur said, "We will easily achieve the magic number. As evident from the trends initially it was BJP leading but eventually, we started to move ahead."
'Modi factor did not work in Himachal': Himachal Congress chief asserts
Himachal Pradesh Congress chief Pratibha Virbhadra Singh said, “People have given us the mandate, there is no need to fear. We can meet (our MLAs) anywhere including Chandigarh or in the state. Those who have won will be with us and we will form the government".
Pratibha Singh, who is the wife of former chief minister late Virbhadra Singh, said, "We are confident that results will be in favour of the Congress and we will form the government".
Himachal Pradesh Election results with Hindustan Times: Hamirpur BJP rebel candidate wins
ccording to the Election Commission of India, Independent candidate Ashish Sharma, a BJP rebel, has won from Hamirpur
Himachal Pradesh Election results with Hindustan Times: BJP's Sukh Ram Chaudhary retains Poanta Sahib seat
BJP candidate and sitting minister Sukh Ram Chaudhary retained the Poanta Sahib Assembly seat in Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur by defeating his Congress rival. He defeated Congress candidate Kirnesh Jung by a margin of 8,596 votes.
There were nine candidates in the fray from this seat.
Himachal Pradesh Election results with Hindustan Times
The Congress has surged ahead of the BJP on 39 of the 68 seats with one seat already under its belt, while the ruling party has won four seats and is ahead in 21 constituencies, according to trends from Himachal Pradesh where the counting of votes is underway.
‘Priyanka Gandhi did a great job': AICC incharge Rajeev Shukla
All India Congress Committee in-charge Rajeev Shukla praised Priyanka Gandhi as the party is set to come to power in Himachal Pradesh. Rajeev Shukla said it was Priyanka Gandhi who took the reins of the campaign in her hand and did a great job with it.
"Though the results are still coming in it is a victory of the people. With the blessings of God, if Congress wins, we will do everything possible for the interest of the people of Himachal Pradesh. Priyanka ji (Priyanka Gandhi Vadra) campaigned a lot, she worked really hard," he said.
Sanjay Raut exudes hope of Congress winning Himachal election, stressed on need to fight BJP jointly
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut exuded hope of Congress winning the Himachal elections with a good margin and stressed the need for the opposition to fight elections together, against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
In his statement, Sanjay Raut stated, "Yesterday, in the Delhi MCD election results, the BJP lost after 15 years of rule. If in Gujarat, the Aam Aadmi Party and others would have come together, it could have been a tough fight for the BJP".
And… we look at the apple belt again as Congress is set to sweep Himachal
Congress is set to sweep Himachal's apple belt, with seven out of eight Congress candidates leading on their seats. The only BJP candidate leading in the area is Balbir Singh Verma from Chopal. In Theog, the CPI (M) incumbent Rakesh Singha, is in the third position at present.
Chhattisgarh or Rajasthan too far, Chandigarh is the meeting place for Himachal Congress' winning MLAs
Not Chhattisgarh or Rajasthan, as earlier speculated, Congress' winning MLAs in the state are being taken to Chandigarh. The party continues to maintain its lead in the election. It is currently leading in 40 seats, while the BJP is leading in 25.
Himachal Pradesh election results: BJP wins 4 seats; Congress 1
Congress has won 1 seat and is leading on 39 others while BJP won 4 and is leading on 21 others; counting continues.
And from Mandi… Himachal Pradesh Election results with Hindustan Times
Anil Sharma (BJP) son of Congress veteran Sukh Ram wins by 10,006 from Mandi.
Himachal Pradesh election results: BJP's vote share declines
The BJP is trailing in Himachal Pradesh as per the latest trend by the election commission. BJP is leading on 23 seats while Congress is leading on 38 seats. The vote share of BJP has also declined to 42.9%
BJP leader Ranbir Singh wins from Nurpur Assembly constituency: Election Commission
The Election Commission has declared the results of the Nurpur Assembly constituency! The BJP's Ranbir Singh has won.
How a journalist-turned-politician four-time MLA Mukesh Agnihotri is faring in Haroli
Four-time MLA and Congress leader Mukesh Agnihotri has a lead of over 6,800 votes over his nearest BJP rival Ram Kumar in Himachal Pradesh's Haroli constituency.
Haroli in Himachal Pradesh's Una district is a key constituency, particularly for the Congress.
Journalist-turned-politician Mukesh Agnihotri is contesting for the fifth time, after winning four times in a row.
A look at Mandi, again. It's important
In Mandi, BJP is set to win at least 5 seats. These are:
- Mandi (Anil Sharma)
- Darang (Puran Chand Thakur)
- Sundernagar ( Rakesh Jamwal)
- Balh ( Inder Singh)
- Seraj ( Jai Ram Thakur)
In 2017, the BJP had won 9 out of 10 seats in this district.
‘Too early to speak now’: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Himachal Pradesh elections
As trends in the assembly elections of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh indicate a victory for BJP in the former and lead for Congress in the latter, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that it is too early to make comments and the party will respond when final results are declared.
"It is too early to speak now. Our party will speak in the evening only after the final results are declared," Mallikarjun Kharge said.
And an update on BJP's assembly speaker Vipin Singh Parmar
Vipin Singh Parmar is leading from Sullah constituency by 4,948 votes. Independent candidate Jagjiwan Paul has secured 15,836 votes, as per election commission data.
The million dollar question: Who would become Himechal Pradesh's Chief Minister if Congress wins?
There are three candidates who are likely to throw their hats in the ring: Pratibha Singh, Sukhwinder Singh Sukku and Mukesh Agnihotra. The choice will depend on whether the Congress want to carry forward the legacy of Virbhadra Singh or make a break and project a fresh face.
'Hoped to form govt in Himachal, we can see it happening now,' says Chhattisgarh CM Baghel
Chhattisgarh CM Baghel denied speculation that winning candidates would be flown to his state. "Won't bring them here but we'll have to take care of our friends as BJP can do anything and go to any level," he told ANI.
Last round of counting underway: Jai Ram Thakur lead increases to 36,167
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur's lead in the Seraj seat of the Mandi district increased to 36,167. The last round of counting is underway.
Himachal Pradesh Election Results: BJP's Rakesh Pathania trails in Fatehpur
Incumbent MLA and Congress candidate Bhawani Singh Pathania and BJP's Rakesh Pathania were locked in a neck-and-neck contest in Himachal Pradesh's Fatehpur assembly seat.
After trailing in the initial rounds, Bhawani Singh Pathania took a lead of 456 votes. Vote count in favour of the Congress candidate stood at 14,097 votes, compared to 13,641 votes for Rakesh Pathania.
A look at Theog constituency in Himachal Pradesh
Former Himachal Pradesh Congress chief Kuldeep Rathore is leading from the Theog assembly seat with a narrow margin of 2,601 votes. Kuldeep Rathore is contesting for the first time. It was during his tenure as state Congress chief that the party won by-elections to the Mandi Lok Sabha seat and three assembly seats last year
Where are Bhupesh Baghel, Bhupinder Hooda, Rajiv Shukla?
Congress leaders Bhupesh Baghel, Bhupinder Hooda, Rajiv Shukla are heading to Himachal Pradesh, reports have suggested as the Congress continues to lead in the state.
Himachal Pradesh election results: Congress workers distribute sweets in Shimla because… why not?
Sweets are being distributed among Congress workers in Shimla as the party leads in 40 seats in Himachal Pradesh.
