Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election Results 2017 updates: Nirmala Sitharaman, Narendra Tomar to visit state, decide leadership

BJP snatches hill state from Congress; full list of winning candidates

Wresting power from the Congress in Himachal Pradesh, BJP bagged 44 seats in the 68-seat Assembly on Monday to form the next government in the state. The hill state witnessed a record 75.28 percent turnout. BJP’s chief ministerial face, Prem Kumar Dhumal, faced defeat in the contest for the Sujanpur Assembly seat. He lost to his Congress rival Rajinder Singh Rana by about 3,500 votes. Read more here.

Here’s party seating chart of Himachal Pradesh

Nirmala Sitharaman and Narendra Tomar will go to Himachal to discuss about the leadership, says JP Nadda

FM Arun Jaitley and General Secy of the party Saroj Pandey will go as observers to Gujarat & discuss about the leadership in the state. Similarly Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Narendra Tomar will go to Himachal Pradesh to discuss about the leadership there: JP Nadda pic.twitter.com/nSWF2znl5m

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

EVMs cannot be tampered with, says Pushpendra Rajput, Chief Electoral Officer of Himachal Pradesh

EVMs cannot be manipulated in any way. I want to urge everyone to ignore rumours on this matter. The election conducted through EVMs & VVPAT are completely unbiased: Pushpendra Rajput, Chief Electoral Officer of Himachal Pradesh #ElectionResults2017 pic.twitter.com/x2qikY8Tqa

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

Narendra Modi leaves Delhi BJP HQ after Parliamentary meet

PM Narendra Modi leaves from BJP HQ after Parliamentary board meeting #Delhi pic.twitter.com/KgRPf3C5Sg

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

Protégé turns giant killer as Rajinder Rana defeats Prem Kumar Dhumal

Congress’ Rajinder Singh Rana has emerged as the giant killer of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections after defeating BJP’s chief ministerial candidate Prem Kumar Dhumal from the Sujanpur constituency.

This is an irony lost on nobody in Himachal Pradesh because it was Dhumal who played a crucial role in ensuring the consolidation of the dominant Thakur community, that comprises 28 percent of the population of this hilly state. The Thakur vote is reported to have helped propel the BJP to its outstanding victory in the state (winning 32 and leading in 12 of the 68 seats at last count) ensuring their victory in over ten seats. Read more here.

Mehbooba Mufti congratulates Modi

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday congratulated Narendra Modi, saying the Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh election results were an endorsement of the governance and developmental agenda of his government. Mufti hoped that the prime minister would give a new impetus to the development agenda. “These results are an endorsement of his government’s governance, developmental and economic agenda,” she said in a statement.- PTI

**Kerala BJP lauds victory, says India is Congress-**mukt

BJP in Kerala hailed the party’s victory in the Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh Assembly polls and said it clearly indicated that the country was moving towards ‘Congress mukt (Congress free) Bharat’. “The BJP’s victory is also the defeat of the Congress party’s strategy to win the polls through caste and narrow-minded politics”, BJP state president Kummanon Rajasekharan told reporters.

BJP has won 32 seats, leading on 12 seats while Congress has won 17 and is leading on 4, say reports

PM Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah attend Parliamentary meeting at Delhi headquarters

PM Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah & others at BJP Parliamentary board meeting at party HQ in Delhi pic.twitter.com/dw4spwB3bx

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

Jharkhand CM Raghubar Das congratulates BJP on victory

Jharkhand chief minister Raghubar Das on Monday said that the people of Gujarat have given their approval once again to development works and policies carried under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He congratulated the voters of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh for giving verdict in favour of the party.- PTI

BJP supporters join Modi in chants of ‘Jeetega bhai jeetega, vikas hi jeetega’

Modi tells critics if you don’t like BJP, don’t try to derail progress toward development

“After 2014, there is hunger for development. Even if you do not like BJP, do not try to derail the progress being made towards development,” says Modi.

’Sabka saath sabka vikas has been our motto and this is what ensured our victory’

Recent elections results have proven that country is ready for reform, says Modi

Recent elections results have proven that the country is ready for reform, is looking towards things that perform in a positive way and believes in transformation: PM Narendra Modi at BJP HQ in Delhi pic.twitter.com/ayqpFjI6pw

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

Results in Himachal show that if you don’t do development then after 5 years people will not accept you, says Modi

The results in Himachal Pradesh show that if you don't do development and are embroiled in all wrong acts then after 5 years people will not accept you: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/8LbfGkQaFe

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

Glimpses of celebrations at Delhi’s BJP headquarters

Pictures of celebration at BJP HQ, New Delhi. pic.twitter.com/W7iJRNSZww

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 18, 2017

The nation has chosen the path of reform and performance: Modi

Main Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh ki janta ko shat-shat naman karta hun ki unhone vikas ke marg ko chuna: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at BJP HQ pic.twitter.com/F1BK20U4Eh

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

Narendra Modi says the entire nation is joining our Vikas Yatra

Himachal results a mandate against corrupt Virbhadra Singh govt: Amit Shah

After thanking the people of Himachal Pradesh for giving BJP the victory, Amit Shah said that the party’s two-third majority in the state is the public’s mandate against the corrupt government of Virbhadra Singh.

Amit Shah and other BJP leaders felicitate Narendra Modi

BJP President Amit Shah and other leaders felicitate PM Narendra Modi at BJP HQ in Delhi as party celebrates Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh win #ElectionResults2017 pic.twitter.com/kmlaAWkyhK

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

Narendra Modi reaches BJP headquarters in Delhi

‘Sad we couldn’t make Virbhadra Singh chief minister again’: Vikramaditya Singh

Vikramaditya Singh, Virbhadha Singh’s son, said “I’ll always stand with government, whichever party it might be of and serve people. As a son, I am sad we couldn’t’t make it possible for him (Virbhadra Singh) to become the chief minister seventh time. We’ll analyse our drawbacks,” reported The Indian Express.

Symbol of people’s confidence in Congress: Rajinder Rana, who defeated PK Dhumal

After defeating BJP’s Prem Kumar Dhumal from Sujanpur, Congress’ Rajinder Rana said that it’s a symbol of people’s confidence in Congress. “Thankful that they made me victorious. We have never stepped back from serving people in Sujanpur and we will always serve them,” News18 quoted him as saying.

Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu congratulates BJP on winning Himachal, Gujarat

Victory a symbol of people’s confidence in Congress**,** says Rajinder Rana

It's a symbol of people's confidence in Congress. Thankful that they made me victorious. We have never stepped back from serving people in Sujanpur & we will always serve them: Rajinder Rana, Congress candidate who won in Sujanpur against BJP's Prem Kumar Dhumal #HimachalResults pic.twitter.com/LZQE9Hiazj

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

Security at Delhi BJP HQ as PM is expected to arrive soon

Sad about Dhumal losing but happy that people of Himachal voted for BJP, says Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan

PK Dhumal says personal loss not of much importance, gain that victory has brought to state BJP is important

BJP followers and citizens in Delhi BJP HQ lawn to attend PM’s address

Nitish Kumar congratulates Narendra Modi and Amit Shah

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar congratulates Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah for winning the Assembly polls in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. The Janata Dal (United) president also took a dig at the Congress, saying that while the party was aiming to defeat the BJP in Gujarat, it “ended up losing even in Himachal Pradesh”, where it was in power. –PTI

This is the present BJP map of India

Rahul Gandhi says Congress accepts verdict of the people and congratulates new governments in both states

My Congress brothers and sisters, you have made me very proud. You are different than those you fought because you fought anger with dignity. You have demonstrated to everyone that the Congress’s greatest strength is its decency and courage, tweets Congress President Rahul Gandhi

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

Amit Shah calls results lesson to parties which indulge in caste politics, dynasty

This is a lesson to the parties which indulge in caste-politics and dynasty: Amit Shah, BJP President #HimachalResults #GujaratVerdict pic.twitter.com/3mEldcfKrj

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

‘We had to respond to Congress’ dirty politics of casteism’

We were at the receiving end after Congress got into dirty politics of casteism. So we had to respond strongly because the attack was aimed at PM, says Shah.

We will win upcoming election in next 4 states, says Shah

We will win the upcoming assembly election in 4 states, including Karnataka: Amit Shah, BJP President #HimachalResults #GujaratVerdict pic.twitter.com/Z2Ew2eOw8o

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

Today after Parliamentary Board meeting, names of CMs of both states will be decided: Amit Shah

‘The 2/3rd lead in Himachal Pradesh shows people there want to join PM Modi in the journey to development’

The 2/3rd lead in Himachal Pradesh shows that people there want to join PM Narendra Modi in the journey to development: Amit Shah, BJP President #HimachalResults pic.twitter.com/bvySqJyFBZ

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

Shah says by 2022 Modiji’s dream of having a New India will be fulfilled

Vote percentage in Himachal Pradesh improved by 10 percent, says Amit Shah

Amit Shah says we have won by a big margin in Himachal Pradesh and our vote percentage has improved by 10 percent here. It is clear that Himachal wants to join Modi’s model of development.

Victory of development over dynasty and polarisation: Amit Shah

This is a victory of development over dynasty and polarisation: Amit Shah, BJP President #GujaratVerdict #HimachalResults pic.twitter.com/KZz1l1c8j0

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

Big win for politics of performance and this shows a shift in people’s mind: Amit Shah

I would like to thank and congratulate people of Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat, says Amit Shah

#WATCH Live from Delhi: BJP President Amit Shah addresses media as BJP leads in #Gujarat and #HimachalPradesh elect… https://t.co/QTRZRnYIuo

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

‘Victory in Himachal, Gujarat can have positive impact in Karnataka’

Victory in Gujarat and Himachal shows people have once again accepted PM Modi, his policies and Gujarat model, says BS Yeddyurappa, Karnataka BJP president.They’ve voted for development and against corrupt Congress and it’ll have a positive impact in Karnataka, he added.

I accept my defeat, says outgoing Himachal Pradesh CM Virbhadra Singh

#ElectionsWithNews18 - Congress government in Himachal Pradesh did good work but we have been defeated. I accept my defeat: Outgoing Himachal Pradesh CM Virbhadra Singh

LIVE: https://t.co/2uUlgN1rQj pic.twitter.com/af0uBpMVXK

— News18 (@CNNnews18) December 18, 2017

Central leadership of Congress did not spend much time in Himachal, says Virbhadra Singh

Outgoing CM Virbhadra Singh says the central leadership of Congress did not spend much time in Himachal Pradesh. He adds that it is a tradition in Himachal Pradesh where Congress and BJP keep winning alternately.

Jai Ram Thakur of BJP wins from Seraj

Better prepare for 2024, as BJP will win 2019: Yogi Adityanath tells Congress

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath asks Congress to prepare for 20124. “The results have shown that the people of Gujarat and Himachal are strongly with the economic initiatives taken by Prime Minister Modi and will continue to support him to see India emerge as a global economic superpower,” Adityanath said. The monk-turned-chief minister also advised Opposition leaders to accept the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. –IANS

Amit Shah thanks Himachal Pradesh for victory

Thank you Himachal. pic.twitter.com/QYtl9x0qRf

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 18, 2017

PM Modi says election results show strong support for politics of good governance and development

I bow to the people of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh for their affection and trust in BJP. I assure them that we will leave no stone unturned in furthering the development journey of these states and serve the people tirelessly: PM Modi

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

Mukesh Agnihotri of Congress wins from Haroli

NOTA vote count is 0.9 percent and 29,021 for Himachal Pradesh

Amit Shah arrives at party HQ as workers celebrate in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh 

Delhi: BJP President Amit Shah arrives at party HQ as workers celebrate party's lead in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh #ElectionResults pic.twitter.com/yLDzsDeYn7

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

Outgoing CM Virbhadra Singh wins from Arki constituency

Outgoing chief minister Virbhadra Singh wins from Arki constituency. He beats BJP candidate Rattan Singh Pal. Virbhadra and his son have now registered victories to the 68-member Assembly.- The Indian Express

BJP’s Prem Kumar Dhumal loses Sujanpur to Congress’ Rajinder Rana, say reports

Himachal Pradesh elections 2017 results: #BJP’s Prem Kumar Dhumal almost losing to #Congress in Sujanpur#HimachalPradesh #HimachalPradeshElections2017 @BJP4India @INCIndia @BJP4Himachal @INCHimachal https://t.co/7L5uQ8p2zB

— NewsX (@NewsX) December 18, 2017

Questions raised on who will be BJP’s next CM face

BJP MLA from Kutlehar constituency Virender Kanwar to give up seat for Dhumal

Newly elected BJP MLA from Kutlehar constituency, Virender Kanwar, announces that he will give up his seat for Prem Kumar Dhumal, who is trailing in his constituency in Sujanpur. – The Indian Express

Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi congratulates BJP 

Congratulations to PM Shri @narendramodi, BJP President Shri @AmitShah and all the workers of @BJP4India for victory in Gujarat & Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections. pic.twitter.com/WSszz7c1g6

— Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi (@naqvimukhtar) December 18, 2017

Here’s an infographic on BJP, Congress trends till 3 pm

Meanwhile, BJP announces Parliamentary party meeting to be held tomorrow

BJP Parliamentary party meeting to be held at Parliament Library building on 20 December.

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

More women than men exercised franchise in Himachal Pradesh

More women exercised their franchise than men in Himachal Pradesh which recorded its highest turnout in Assembly polls at 74.61 percent, according to official figure.As many as 19,10,582 female voters exercised their franchise against 18,11,061 male voters in the hill state, where the BJP seeks to dislodge the ruling Congress on the issue of corruption while deflecting attacks on demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax (GST).- News 18

Rohit Thakur of Congress wins Jubbal-Kotkhai by over 9,000 votes

Rohit Thakur of Congress wins Jubbal-Kotkhai by over 9,000 votes defeating BJP’s Narinder Bragta, says The Indian Express

Latest numbers: BJP at 43, Congress at 21, CPM at 1 and Independent-1

Latest official EC trends: BJP at 43, Congress at 21, CPI-M at 1 and Independent-1 #HimachalResults pic.twitter.com/ym0zOA5JAu

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

Victory shows Theog people’s faith in party, says CPM

“This victory reflects the faith the people of Theog have reposed in the CPM to protect their rights and work for their interests in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly,” the party said, in a statement, says PTI.

“In his opening innings Rahul Gandhi scored zero”: Manohar Parrikar 

"In his opening innings he scored zero" says Goa CM Manohar Parrikar on #RahulGandhi #ElectionResults pic.twitter.com/CeKxX9HikR

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

Satpal Singh Raizada and Vikramaditya Singh of Congress win from Una and Shimla rural respectively

Here’s an infographic on BJP, Congress trends till 2 pm

Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam alleges the BJP has won the elections in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat due to EVMs

Nirmala Sitharaman calls it a ‘major victory’, lauds party workers’ efforts

Undoubtedly, a major victory. The kind of work which Party workers have done right from booth workers level till PM's level, everybody put their best foot forward and both #Gujarat & #HimachalPradesh have recognised the good work going on in the name of development: N Sitharaman pic.twitter.com/HfkCleQlCZ

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

‘EVMs can’t be influenced by Bluetooth or other wireless message’: Ex-CEC N Gopalaswami

“EVMs are stand alone machines, aren’t connected to any network, can’t be influenced over Bluetooth or wireless message. So to say EVMs have something wrong is absolutely incorrect. It’s only a glorified calculator, moment you open it, it goes dead,” N Gopalaswami, former CEC told  ANI .

Rajnath Singh flashes victory sign outside Parliament

Delhi: Union Minister Rajnath Singh flashes victory sign outside Parliament as trends indicate BJP's victory in both Gujarat & Himachal Pradesh #GujaratVerdict #HimachalPradeshElections2017 pic.twitter.com/8x8q5gGNsp

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

EVMs cannot be tampered with, even in future: Ex-CEC, Naveen Chawla 

"#EVMs cannot be tampered with, even in the future. I am very clear about this. During my time, BJP had raised doubts on EVM so we had also held a demonstration like earlier this year for all to come and try rig it" says Naveen Chawla, former CEC pic.twitter.com/xXRpduibUK

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

BJP wins four more seats, takes total tally to 12; Congress wins three more

BJP’s Dr. Ram Lal Markanda (Lahaul and Spiti), Anil Sharma (Mandi), Narinder Bragta (Jubbal Kothkai) have won in Himachal Pradesh. BJP leader Jia Lal won the Bharmour seat.

Congress’ Pawan Kumar Kajal won from Kangra while Harshwardhan Chauhan bagged the Shillai seat. Mohan Lal Brakta won from Rohru.

Prem Kumar Dhumal trailing by more than 3,000 votes

After ten rounds of counting, BJP’s chief ministerial face Prem Kumar Dhumal is trailing by more than 3,000 votes in Sujanpur constituency. There are four more rounds of voting to go. If he loses, the saffron party will face an uphill task of picking another CM candidate in Himachal Pradesh.

BJP leads in 43 seats, Congress ahead in 20

WATCH: Gabbar Singh Tax jibe failed, says Nirmala Sitharaman

#ElectionsWithNews18 | We won the elections for the sixth time. People have decided who is right or wrong. 'Gabbar Singh Tax' jibe has failed: @nsitharaman to @_pallavighosh #LIVE: https://t.co/8coAq3AUZ0 pic.twitter.com/CDCV43Jj9p

— News18 (@CNNnews18) December 18, 2017

Maharashtra BJP workers celebrate in Pune

Maharashtra: BJP workers celebrate in Pune #GujaratVerdict #HimachalPradeshElections pic.twitter.com/Qwa3QnhO3x

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

EVMs, VVPATs cannot be tampered with, says ex-CEC HS Brahma

“I firmly believe that our EVMs, VVPATs cannot be tampered with. This matter should be closed once and for all as it is tried and tested. EVM is a standalone machine, question of hacking doesn’t arise” former Chief Election Commissioner of India, HS Brahma told  ANI .

Celebrations break out in Jammu

BJP winning because of EVMs, says Congress’ Sanjay Nirupam

Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam today said the BJP’s victory in Gujarat was not because of the people in the state but because of EVMs. He also termed electronic voting machines a “big threat to Indian democracy”.

–PTI

False alarm: Dhumal supporters celebrate his ’lead’ before realising he is still trailing 

As per an  Indian Express  report, BJP workers at Prem Kumar Dhumal’s residence in Samirpur began celebrating after hearing he was leading by 4,400 votes. However, as the eighth round of counting continues, Dhumal is still trailing.

Here’s an infographic on BJP, Congress trends till 1 pm

Rahul Gandhi reaches Parliament

Delhi: Congress President Rahul Gandhi reaches Parliament. pic.twitter.com/HvZLCGPqCh

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

Scene outside Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh’s residence

BJP leads in 38 seats, Congress ahead in 18 seats

BJP wins seven seats, Congress two so far

BJP’s Paramjeet Singh wins Doon

‘Victory of development’, says Union minister Smriti Irani

Speaking to the media, Union minister Smriti Irani  said, “It is a matter of happiness for us, this is the victory of development.” On the Congress giving a tough fight she said, “Jo jeeta wohi sikandar. It is victory of every booth worker’s hard work and the people who trusted development.”

Yogi Adityanath congratulates Narendra Modi, Amit Shah on Himachal Pradesh victory

“I congratulate PM Modi and Amit Shah on Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh victory. It is an answer to those who were raising questions about Gujarat’s development,” Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath told News18.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi leaves his New Delhi residence

Latest visuals from 12 Tughlaq lane as Congress President Rahul Gandhi leaves from his residence pic.twitter.com/sLZFiEse3P

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

As per EC website , BJP has won two seats, Congress one

Latest Himachal Pradesh election results:

Fiscal situation, GST, inflation to impact stock markets hereon
 
 
Rakesh Arora, Managing Director and Head of Research, Macquarie Capital Securities says that the markets will continue to be in a stable mode as the results so far show that the BJP is leading. “A positive outcome will not push up the markets but a negative outcome would have been for the markets,” said Arora.

 
The markets will look at the fiscal situation, GST collection figures and inflation (besides interstate changes), earnings among other things which will be the key drivers of the market hereon, Arora said.

Congress candidate Vinay Kumar wins from Sri Renukaji constituency

Markets recovers as trends signal BJP’s win in Himachal Pradesh

#CNBCTV18Market #ElectionsWithNews18 | Market recovers from lows as trends indicate BJP leading in Gujarat & Himachal Pradesh pic.twitter.com/2kU7Qmd1MD

— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18Live) December 18, 2017

Sixth round of counting underway in Himachal Pradesh

According to the  The Indian Express , the sixth round of counting of  votes is currently underway. BJP’s chief ministerial choice, Prem Kumar Dhumal is still trailing behind Congress’ Rajender Rana in Sujanpur constituency.

Sonia Gandhi meets newly-elected Congress president Rahul Gandhi at his residence, as per CNN-News18

BJP’s Suresh Bharadwaj bags Shimla

Bharadwaj defeated Harish Janartha in Shimla seat by 1,903 votes. Reports also said that BJP’s Sukh Ram has won Paonta Sahib constituency

People in Mumbai celebrate BJP’s projected win in Himachal Pradesh

Celebrations in #Mumbai as trends indicate BJP's victory in both #Himachal and #Gujarat #ElectionResults2017 pic.twitter.com/bWpAQRmqOv

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

BJP leads in 38 seats as of 12 pm

Anti-incumbency to continue in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh has a tradition of change in government after every elections and going by the trend, this time it appears to be the turn of the BJP which is upbeat after the exit polls predicted a victory for the saffron party.

The BJP ousted the Congress in 1990 and the Congress avenged the defeat in 1993. The BJP formed the government with the help of Himachal Vikas Congress in 1998 and the Congress was back in power in 2003. The BJP made a comeback in 2007.

–PTI

CM Virbhadra Singh still leading from Arki

Congress veteran and six-time Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and his son Vikramaditya Singh are leading from Arki and Shimla (Rural) respectively, according to early trends.

Main rivals BJP and Congress contested all the 68 seats at stake. The hill state witnessed a record 75.28 percent turnout.

‘People of Himachal Pradesh have voted for development’, says Ravi Shankar Prasad

“The people trust BJP. I want to wait for the final results but this is our victory. Narendra Modi became prime minister because of the people’s blessings. People who think otherwise need to rethink. Rahul Gandhi did put up a good fight but the people of Gujarat and Himachal have voted for development,” Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told CNN-News18.

Delhi BJP workers celebrate as trends indicate win in Himachal Pradesh

Scene at BJP Headquarter in #Delhi as trends indicate party's victory in both #Himachal and #Gujarat pic.twitter.com/x1LKJMGnta

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

BJP leads in 38 seats, Congress ahead in 25, according to CNN-News18

WATCH: ‘Tide will turn in our favour again’, says Congress leader Shashi Tharoor

#ElectionsWithNews18 | This is one battle out of many. Tide will turn again in our favour. Rahul has made a big impact: @ShashiTharoor to @_pallavighosh #LIVE: https://t.co/8coAq3AUZ0 pic.twitter.com/K9n2xZgZ7w

— News18 (@CNNnews18) December 18, 2017

CPM’s Rakesh Singha wins Theog constituency

‘BJP performing far better in Himachal Pradesh than Gujarat’

 
“Though only early leads are out, it looks like the BJP is performing on expected lines. It seems to be doing far better in Himachal Pradesh,” said Sachidanand Shukla, chief economist, Mahindra & Mahindra. The results are a vindication of the government policies and reforms, Shukla felt.

Firm responsible for webcasting on election day lacks manpower, technical support

According to a report in  Hindustan Times , the state election body has written to the EC that webcasting in Himachal Pradesh was done from just 500 polling booths as against the target of 2,307 poll booths. The report states that the reason behind this was the lack of manpower and technical support at Epitome Corporation Ltd, the Gujarat-based firm responsible for webcasting during the election.

Workers at BJP headquarters in Shimla celebrate as trends indicate party’s win

#HimachalPradeshElections2017: Pradesh: Workers celebrate at party office in Shimla as trends indicate BJP's victory in the state. pic.twitter.com/0SlktZd6J1

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

BJP heavyweight Ravinder Ravi loses from Dehra

Saffron party’s Gulab Singh Thakur also lost from Joginder Nagar.

BJP’s Ravinder Kumar of Jaisinghpur wins

Reports further said that BJP’s Inter Singh of Balh won and Congress’ Anirudh Singh of Kasumpti won.

Congress wins one seat, according to Election Commission

BJP workers celebrate at party headquarters

Delhi: Party workers celebrate at party HQ, as trends indicate BJP's victory in both Gujarat & Himachal Pradesh #GujaratVerdict #HimachalPradeshElections2017 pic.twitter.com/BDJxPcB6hN

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

BJP workers in Madhya Pradesh celebrate as trends indicate saffron party’s victory

#MadhyaPradesh: BJP celebrates at party office in #Bhopal as trends indicate BJP's victory in both Gujarat & Himachal Pradesh #GujaratVerdict #HimachalPradeshElections2017 pic.twitter.com/2DB4QrrYqn

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

BJP leads in 41 seats as of 11 am

WATCH: ‘Will win in Himachal Pradesh’, says BJP leader Ananth Kumar

#BJP will win in both #Gujarat and #HimachalPradesh : @AnanthKumar_BJP #ElectionResults2017 👇 pic.twitter.com/EMPbwR30vx

— DD News (@DDNewslive) December 18, 2017

Party workers celebrate outside BJP headquarters in New Delhi

Delhi: Party workers celebrate at party HQ, as trends indicate BJP's victory in both Gujarat & Himachal Pradesh #GujaratVerdict #HimachalPradeshElections2017 pic.twitter.com/BDJxPcB6hN

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

BJP wins another seat in Anni

Hoshiyar Singh (Indepedent), Dehra and Kishori Lal (BJP), Anni have won. Lal beat Congress’ Paras Ram by 5,983 votes.

BJP leads by 30% in Bhattiyat

BJP leader Bikram Singh Jaryal is leading by a margin of 30% over Congress’ Kuldeep Singh Pathania in the Bhattiyat constituency, reported Hindustan Times .

BJP leads in 41 seats, Congress ahead in 24 seats

EC Offical trends for #HimachalPradeshElections2017: BJP leading on 41 seats, Congress ahead on 24, Others- 5. pic.twitter.com/lc5PAIKVrJ

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

Congress trails in Dharamshala by 1,500 votes

As per  The Indian Express :

Vijay Singh (Independent), Shahpur: Leads by 1,000 votes

Sudhir Sharma (Congress), Dharamshala: Trails by 1,500 votes

Mukesh Agnihotri (Congress), Haroli: Leads by 2,000 votes

Thakur Singh Bharmouri (Congress), Bharmour: Trails by 2,000 votes

BJP leads in 42 seats

‘Party’s politics beyond electoral wins’, says BJP spokesperson RP Singh

According to News18, BJP spokesperson RP Singh said the win in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh is important but the party’s politics is beyond electoral wins. “We are running the government for the nation. Elections are important but as Modi ji puts it we are working to take the nation ahead on the global stage.”​

WATCH: Narendra Modi flashes victory symbol

#WATCH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flashes victory sign as he arrives at the Parliament. #ElectionResults pic.twitter.com/Q4PRNjMpoK

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

Here’s an infographic on BJP, Congress trends since counting began at 8 am

WATCH: Union home minister Rajnath Singh says ‘will form government in Himachal’

#ElectionsWithNews18 | We are confident that we will form government in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. We are headed towards a clear majority: @rajnathsingh #LIVE: https://t.co/C9x047ThLg pic.twitter.com/1GccXtdkcj

— News18 (@CNNnews18) December 18, 2017

Narendra Modi flashes victory symbol before entering Parliament

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in the Parliament, flashes victory sign. #ElectionResults pic.twitter.com/X508VBydeW

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

Will form government in Himachal Pradesh with majority, says Rajnath Singh

"Will form Government in both Himachal and Gujarat with clear majority" says Home Minister Rajnath Singh #HimachalPradeshElections2017 #GujaratVerdict pic.twitter.com/TZymBvklV7

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

Congress bags Kasumpti

Anirudh Singh of Kasumpti constituency has won.

First wins pour in; BJP wins Jaisinghpur, Balh constituency

BJP candidates Ravinder Kumar (Jaisinghpur) and Inter Singh (Balh) have won in Himachal Pradesh.

BJP leads in 41 seats, Congress at 23 as of 10.30 am

BJP leading in 41 seats, Congress in 23: CNN-News18

**​**According to Times Now and India Today TV, BJP is leading in 40 seats while Congress is leading in 22.

BJP wins two seats

Some are still hopeful that Congress will win in the state…

"I am sure in the end Congress will be victorious and form Government in the state" says Vikramaditya Singh, contesting from Shimla Rural #HimachalPradeshElections pic.twitter.com/bmZP0RWeec

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

Key constituencies

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh dismissed the exit poll results, saying he could well read the mood of the people of the State and the actual results would be opposite to the exit poll projections. However, the 68 seat Assembly has traditionally seen both BJP and Congress take up power alternately.

Dhumal trailing by 1,709 votes

BJP's CM candidate Prem Kumar Dhumal trailing by 1709 votes from Sujanpur #HimachalPradeshElections

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

Prem Kumar Dhumal trailing

According to news report, BJP’s chief ministerial candidate Prem Kumar Dhumal is trailing Rajender Rana in Sujanpur.

Here are the official Election Commission trends so far:

Vikramaditya Singh, son of Virbhadra Singh, leading in Shimla rural: The Times of India

Trajectory of the poll trends so far

A look at the key faces in the election

Considering the fact that politics in Himachal Pradesh are largely dominated by the upper caste, the parties stirred up caste-based poll strategies in order to shake the competition. With the election results to be revealed in a few hours, here’s a list of key faces linked to this battle of political power in Himachal Pradesh.

Congress involved in corruption allegations: Anurag Thakur

“As a voter, if I look at the alternative, on one hand, there is Congress, which is involved in corruption allegations,” said BJP’s Anurag Thakur on Himachal Pradesh elections.

CNN-News18 calls Himachal Pradesh elections, says BJP will win

According to the news channel, BJP is leading in 36 seats while Congress is leading in 19.

Virbhadra Singh leading in Himachal Pradesh

BJP leading in 30 seats, Congress in 19

Here are the trends according to the Election Commission:

BJP leads in 22 seats, Congress in 14

Gulab Singh Thakur, father of Anurag Thakur, leads in Mandi district: The Times of India

Here is a trajectory of leads till now

BJP leading in 12 seats, Congress in 5: CNN-News18

**​**According to Times Now, BJP leads in 19 seats while Congress leads in 10. India Today TV says BJP leads in 18 seats while Congress leads in 10. According to NDTV, BJP leads in 14 seats while Congress leads in 5.

BJP state president Satpal Singh Satti leading in Himachal Pradesh’s Una

Ravinder Ravi trailing in Dehra

According to The Times of India , senior BJP leader and former minister Ravinder Ravi is trailing in Dehra.

BJP leads in 11 seats, Congress in 3

EVMs opened at a counting centre in Shimla's Kasumpati as counting of votes continues #HimachalPradeshElections pic.twitter.com/rsid3L2xgd

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

BJP leads in 6 seats, Congress in 3: CNN-News18

According to Times Now, BJP is leading in 8 seats while Congress leads in 3. India Today TV says BJP is leading in 11 seats while Congress is leading in 7.

Counting underway in Himachal Pradesh

Tally so far

BJP: 4

Congress+: 2

Visuals outside counting centre in Shimla:

The trends have started coming in….

According to Times Now, BJP is leading in one seat.

And it has begun…

#FLASH Counting of votes begins for Himachal Pradesh & Gujarat assembly elections. pic.twitter.com/7go3jWO5yz

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

Election fever catching on as counting is set to begin…

Supporters perform 'Hawan' outside Congress President Rahul Gandhi's residence in #Delhi ahead of counting of votes, set to begin shortly #GujaratElection2017 #HimachalPradeshElections pic.twitter.com/rv5bfsiIa2

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

What is VVPAT and how does it eliminate scope for manipulation of EVM machines?

VVPAT, short for Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail, is a small paper printout that the voters get once they exercise their franchise by pressing the relevant EVM machine button. This has been introduced because all Opposition parties, especially Aam Aadmi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party, created a ruckus post the historic win BJP in Uttar Pradesh. Their claim was that EVMs had been programmed in such a way that whatever button one presses on the EVM machine the vote is registered in favour of the BJP. The paper trail makes that impossible not to be noticed. Voters can instantly verify if the candidate they voted for is the real recipient of their vote. If, for example I voted for Candidate/party X, but my vote vent to Candidate/party Y, the VVPAT immediately shows up the error or manipulation. The voter can instantly lodge a complaint. So what’s the merit of the Congress’ tampering claims? That’s coming up soon.

Political families take centre stage

The Himachal election — a classical example of dynasty politics — has become a high stakes battle for the Singhs and the Dhumals and both chief ministerial candidates must have their families in mind.

Virbhadra and his son, youth Congress chief Vikramaditya Singh are contesting election from Arki (Solan district) and Shimla rural (Shimla district). Virbhadra moved out from Shimla rural, paving the way for his son’s debut.

Here’s an infographic on what the exit polls have said:

Visuals from counting centres in Shimla, Hamirpur

Visuals from counting centres set up in Shimla & Hamirpur #HimachalPradeshElections pic.twitter.com/Z0aSdjTUKp

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2017

Visuals outside a counting centre in Shimla

प्रदेश भर से मिलने पहुँच रहे लोगों का धन्यवाद। pic.twitter.com/14qs2gyTwz

— Prem Kumar Dhumal (@DhumalHP) December 17, 2017

What the exit polls are saying

According to the CVoter exit poll, BJP is likely to get 41 seats in the House of 68, which is a 15-seat jump from its 2012 tally of 26. Congress, according to the poll, will secure 25 seats, which is an 11-seat fall from its last tally of 36 seats, thus pushing it out of power in the hill state.

Both BJP, Congress confident of victory

While the Congress dismissed the exit poll results, which predicted a BJP victory, the saffron party expressed confidence that their performance would better projections. — PTI