BJP regains power in Himachal

India's main opposition BJP yesterday regained power in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, dislodging Congress from power, to end the year 2007 on a high note politically, just five days after retaining the reins in the western state of Gujarat.
Out of the 68 seats in the state legislature, BJP bagged 41 seats while Congress won 21 seats.
In the previous elections in 2002, Congress had won 43 seats and BJP, the then ruling party, 16.
Among the prominent winners were outgoing Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh of Congress and BJP's chief ministerial candidate Prem Kumar Dhumal.
The state witnessed a high voter turnout in the two-phased polls held on November 14 and on December 19.
The victory for BJP in Himachal came as an icing on the cake after its stunning triumph in polls in Gujarat where its top leader Narendra Modi overcame anti-incumbency and a united opposition to retain power.
For Congress headed by Sonia Gandhi, the loss in the tiny Himalayan state came as a double blow after the loss in Gujarat.
Even before it could undertake a thorough introspection of its defeat in Gujarat, Congress leaders are faced with the additional task of explaining its loss in Himachal Pradesh.