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March 4, 1998

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ELECTIONS '96

Himachal CM resigns

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh resigned on Wednesday owning moral responsibility for the Congress's poor performance in the state assembly election.

Singh, however, has been asked by Governor V S Ramadevi to continue till the next leader is elected.

Of the 68 seats in the assembly, the Congress had bagged only 31. The BJP followed close behind with 29 and the Himachal Vikas Congress (of former Union communication minister Sukh Ram) got four. A lone Independent was also elected.

Elections were held only for 65 seats. Polls for three seats were rescheduled till June 21 because of bad weather.

Addressing a press conference in Shimla, Public Works Department Minister J B L Khachi said the Congress would leave no stone unturned to form a government in the state.

He said the Congress was in touch with the HVC and the lone Independent legislator from Jwalamukhi for support. Khachi said barring Sukh Ram, the other HVC legislators were welcome to join the Congress.

Governor Ramadevi said many leaders met her to stake their claim for government formation.

Earlier, BJP leader Prem Kumar Dhumal had said the BJP would form a government in the state with help from the four HVC legislators.

A party requires at least 33 legislators to form the government.

UNI

Elections '98

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