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.