Elections to the 68 assembly seats in the state were held in a single phase on November 8 that witnessed a voter turnout of 74.61 percent with Sirmour district recording the highest of all, 79.91 percent voting.

Will BJP buck the trend of Himachal Pradesh not repeating any government since its formation in 1971 or will Congress wrest control of the state under its new chief Mallikarjun Kharge? The decision will come out on Thursday.

In the 2017 Assembly election, the BJP won 44 seats and Congress 21. BJP secured 48.79 per cent of the vote share, whereas Congress won 41.46 per cent.

Even though the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has campaigned aggressively in Himachal, the contest in the state is being seen as a direct one between the BJP and Congress in line with past trends.

While BJP has asked voters to change the "riwaaz" by re-electing BJP as the "double engine" regime would benefit the state, Congress is banking on anti-incumbency and has raised issues of price rise, unemployment, and old pension scheme.

The BJP has promised the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, eight lakh jobs in the state, and 33 per cent reservation for women in government jobs and educational institutions.

Congress has promised to revive the old pension scheme and give 1 lakh government jobs. To woo women, who form 48 per cent of the electorate, Congress has promised Rs 1,500 per month to each of them aged between 18 and 60. It has also promised 300 units of free electricity.

Himachal Pradesh Exit Poll 2022

ABP-CVoter Exit Poll Results 2022 for Himachal Pradesh suggest that BJP will be able to retain the hill state with 33 to 41 assembly seats coming in their kitty, which means they will be just two short of the majority even if they get only the minimum seats projected. Congress will be breathing down BJP's neck but the projected seat range (24 to 32 assembly seats) suggest that it will not be enough to get over the hump — three short of the majority even if they get the maximum seats projected.

With independents pegged to get 0 to 4 seats, they are set to play a big role in both scenarios, as has been the case in the past in Himachal.

20:45 PM (IST) • 08 Dec 2022

Himachal Election Results 2022 Live: Cong Newly Elected MLAs Asked To Stay In Shimla, Observers Likely To Meet Them Tomorrow

Himachal Pradesh Congress MLAs have been asked to stay in Shimla only. Observers Bhupesh Baghel, Bhupinder Hooda and In-charge Rajeev Shukla are likely to meet the MLAs in Shimla tomorrow, according to the Sources, ANI reported.

Himachal Pradesh Congress MLAs have been asked to stay in Shimla only. Observers Bhupesh Baghel, Bhupinder Hooda and In-charge Rajeev Shukla are likely to meet the MLAs in Shimla tomorrow: Sources
— ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2022

20:35 PM (IST) • 08 Dec 2022

Himachal Election Results 2022 Live: Newly Elected Cong MLAs Will Reach Hotel In Mohali

All the newly-elected Congress MLAs of Himachal will reach the hotel in Mohali. Bhupesh Baghel has already reached Mohali. Tug of war started in Himachal regarding who will become the next CM. Baghel will report to the High Command after taking opinions from the MLAs.