BJP’s chief ministerial candidate Prem Kumar Dhumal is expected to meet the Governor on Saturday after a meeting of newly elected MLAs of his party and stake his claim to form the Government.

Earlier, accepting his party’s defeat, Virbhadra Singh tendered his resignation, convened a cabinet meeting later in the day and recommended dissolution of the House. “I, on my own behalf and on behalf of the party, congratulate Prem Kumar Dhumal, BJP’s Chief Ministerial candidate for the party’s victory and wish him a successful five-year term. I have already initiated steps to facilitate the formation of the new Government. The Congress will extend him support and cooperation to implement development and other public welfare programmes,” said Virbhadra Singh after the party’s defeat.

While the poll results were pouring in, Virbhadra Singh summoned Chief Secretary Ravi Dhingra and Principal Secretary T G Negi and informed them about a cabinet meeting convened at 3 pm. “The cabinet completed its formality of recommending dissolution of the House. The recommendation has already been placed before the Governor and process for transfer of power has been set in motion,” Dhingra confirmed.

Earlier in the day, Virbhadra Singh spoke with disappointment over party’s defeat, while maintaining a stoic approach. “Anti-incumbency was one of the factors contributing to the party’s defeat. We will analyse all the factors. This will be followed by corrective steps so that the Congress returns to power in the next election,” he said, adding, “The party is disappointed, but not disheartened as it has won 23 seats, against 41 of the BJP.”

Initially, Virbhadra Singh had asserted that he would complete his term till March 9, 2008, which he claimed was his legal and constitutional right because of an early elections. However, immediately after defeat in Gujarat, the Congress conveyed its decision to the Chief Minister to resign in case of an adverse result. On Friday, he said, “I feel indebted to the people, who stood by the party and extended support in smooth functioning of the Government. The Congress will continue to discharge its responsibility of a constructive Opposition. I hope the new Government, to be formed under BJP, will give a renewed momentum to the pace of development.” Virbhadra Singh expressed satisfaction over development and welfare works undertaken during his tenure.

Meanwhile, members of the PCC have started finding faults with Virbhadra Singh’s leadership. “It was a problem of image, governance and performance of the Government, not the party”, said a PCC leader. But Virbhadra Singh loyalists blame it on the party for being “defunct” throughout the campaign. None of the leaders except Virbhadra Singh campaigned in the state. “They did not effectively counter BJP’s attacks on Virbhadra Singh on corruption and development,” a defeated minister said.