Himachal Pradesh Election Result 2022: Congress wrests power from BJP, wins 35 seats out of 68; leads in 5
In November, Himachal Pradesh witnessed an intense campaign by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in a bid to come back to power for a second consecutive term and Congress putting all its efforts to wrestle power from the ruling party.
FollowThe Indian National Congress (INC) on Thursday (December 8) gained majority in Himachal Pradesh assembly election, winning as many as 35 of the 68 seats and leading in five. According to the latest results made available by the Election Commission, the BJP had registered win on 18 seats and was leading in seven others.
Three Independents also emerged victorious. Aam Aadmi Party, which had contested on 67 seats, failed to open account. Himachal Pradesh has not voted any incumbent government to power since 1985. In the 68-member Assembly, a party needs 35 members for majority.
Also read:Â Himachal Pradesh Election 2022 Exit Polls predict BJP may break 37-year-old trend
Since 1985, the hill state has a record of voting out the incumbent government.
The Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has become the third major political force in the state and intensified the electoral battle in Himachal Pradesh this time. Â Â
Earlier in 2017, the BJP formed the government by winning as many as 44 seats while Congress secured only 21 seats.
Also read:Â Himachal Pradesh Election 2022: Congress chief Pratibha Singh confident of winning '40-45 seats'
Meanwhile on Wednesday, Himachal Pradesh Congress President Pratibha Singh expelled as many as 30 party leaders from the primary membership of the party for the next six years for anti-party activities.
This development had come a day before the poll results were declared for the state assembly elections. On Monday, exit polls predicted a sweeping win for the incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state.Â
Also read:Â Himachal Pradesh Election 2022: Voting ends in hill state; Chamba records lowest turnout of 46%
It is reportedly said that more than 10,000 security personnel, returning officers, and other support staff were stationed at the strong rooms during the counting of votes for the hill state.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Maneesh Garg said that subject to availability of space, a maximum of 14 counting tables and a minimum of eight counting tables will be placed in the counting halls, with a separate table to accommodate nearly 500 postal ballots.
