BJP concedes defeat in HP polls

"We accept the verdict. All people in the BJP had fought elections together. The people did not vote for us. We accept it," Shanta Kumar, a former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister told reporters here.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal appeared prepared to accept the worst.

"Whatever people decide is good. It would be good if they support us, and good even if they don't. I will welcome the decision of people," he said as trends showed a decline in the party's fortunes.

The Congress, which put up a spirited campaign under former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, is all set to return to power in Himachal Pradesh.

The party was leading in 35 seats in the 68-member Assembly. BJP was leading in 23, while 'Others' led in four seats having won in one. Congress had won 23 seats and BJP 41 in the 2007 polls.