Statement issued by Shri L.K. Advani, Leader of the Opposition (Lok Sabha)on Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election 2007

The resounding victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the elections to the Vidhan Sabha of Himachal Pradesh, coming in the wake of our major triumph in Gujarat a few days ago, shows that 2007 is ending with un unmistakable statement about the coming change in the political equation in the country.

2008 will be a PARIVARTAN VARSH (Year of Change) in India.

I heartily congratulate the people of Himachal Pradesh for giving a clear mandate to the BJP, under the leadership of Prof. Premkumar Dhumal. The BJP’s vote share has been the highest ever in the state.

If the BJP’s victory in Gujarat was on account of a strong pro-incumbency vote. In Himachal Pradesh, it was because of a strong anti-incumbency vote. In both states, the vote was against the Congress.

Of the six assembly elections held in 2007, the BJP won in four states – Punjab, Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. In three of these states, the BJP wrested power from the Congress. Congress had to be satisfied with victory in only one state -- Goa.

In a few months from now, Karnataka will elect a new legislative assembly. Everybody is aware of how the BJP, which had emerged as the single largest party in 2004, became a victim of betrayal of a venal of political opportunism. I have no doubt that my party will secure a majority on its own whenever the assembly elections are held in Karnataka.

The results of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh should be seen in the context of the rapidly growing unpopularity of the UPA government at the Centre, which has failed on all fronts.

The people of India are eagerly looking for liberation from this non-performing government, which is not a coalition but a bundle of contradictions.

Soon after the BJP’s victory in Gujarat was known, I had stated: “This signals beginning of the BJP’s comeback trail.” Today’s results from Himachal Pradesh have shown that the trail has progressed further. It will reach its ultimate destination whenever the next parliamentary elections are held.