Himachal Pradesh election result: The BJP and Congress are locked in a battle for power in Himachal Pradesh. Chief minister Virbhadra Singh is the Congress’ face in the state, while the BJP nominated former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal as their candidate. The election is essentially seen as a battle between the two veterans, who have taken turns to be the chief minister in Himachal since 1993. The election, which took place on November 9, saw a record voter turnout of 74 per cent.

• BJP is inching closer to victory in Himachal Pradesh as it leads in 45 out of 68 assembly seats. The ruling Congress, meanwhile, is leading in just 19 seats. The state has been alternating between the Congress and the BJP since 1985.
• In Sujanpur, where the chief ministerial candidate PK Dhumal is representing the BJP, Rajinder Singh, an independent candidate, is leading.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the star campaigners for Himachal Pradesh assembly election campaign last month. He had attacked Congress over corruption and accused it of siphoning off Rs. 57,000 crore meant as subsidy for the poor.
• While Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier suggested that Himachal Pradesh election would be a one-sided battle, the initial leads countered his claim. The current leads suggest BJP is leading in 42 seats while Congress is ahead in 22.
• Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, 83, did not run a very aggressive election campaign in the state where the people have been alternating between Congress and the BJP. However, BJP, as expected was quite aggressive at the ground.