The Indian National Congress won 40 seats in the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, well past the 35-seat majority mark. The BJP bagged 25 seats. The much-needed electoral win for Congress came with praise for the party workers, the party’s state leadership and the voters. “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,” said Pratibha Virbhadra Singh, the Himachal Congress President.
“We are leading in 40 seats. We'll implement 10 guarantees in the state. We aren't afraid of 'Operation Lotus' if these figures continue then there won't be any such situation,” Congress leader Rajiv Shukla had earlier told reporters. Since then the grand old party has secured wins in 40 seats. “If Congress wins in HP, we'll do everything in people's interest; Priyanka Gandhi Vadra worked hard and campaigned extensively,” Shukla had added.
“Old Pension Scheme had been demanded by other states too. In Himachal Pradesh, it was demanded by Government employees and their staff. The reasons will be analysed but Congress has won in north India after several years. This will boost morale & influence other states. When the election comes next year — in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh — you will see that a message has been sent,” Congress MP Anand Sharma told ANI.
“BJP considered itself strong in Himachal Pradesh, PM Modi & Amit Shah visited the State several times, here today Congress is going to form the government with a full majority,” said Congress leader S.S. Sukhu.
Himachal Chief Minister Jairam Thakur has offered his resignation in the face of the BJP’s poor performance. “I respect people's mandate and I want to thank the Prime Minister and other central leadership during the last five years. We'll stand for the development of the state irrespective of politics. We'll analyse our shortcomings and improve during the next term,” Thakur told reporters.
