The results of elections to four Indian states have come as a setback to the ruling BJP. It suffered a comprehensive defeat at the hands of its main political rival, the opposition Congress Party in Himachal Pradesh.
 The BJP had hoped for a better showing |
And although it was a marginal player in the three north-eastern states, it failed to make much of an impact. The BJP had hoped to repeat in Himachal Pradesh its performance in December last year, when it won a massive victory in Gujarat.
Hardline campaign
The win in Gujarat came after some of India's worst ever religious riots which took place in the state earlier in the year.
The BJP ran an aggressive Hindu nationalist campaign in Gujarat and looked set to use similar tactics in elections elsewhere.
Although Himachal Pradesh is one of India's smaller states, the BJP would still have preferred a win under its belt ahead of more important battles.
Some of India's biggest states are due to go to the polls later in the year, setting the stage for national elections next year.
The defeat also comes as a personal blow for the Indian Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee.
Mr Vajpayee had campaigned extensively in Himachal Pradesh, where he maintains a holiday home.
Some critics, both within his party and outside, will see the result as a judgment on his performance as prime minister.
Congress upbeat
On the other hand the win has come as a timely boost for the Congress, India's main opposition party.
The Gujarat defeat had demoralised the party, with questions being raised about the leadership of Sonia Gandhi.
 Pre-election security was tight in several states |
It can now look forward to improving its performance elsewhere. But its win in Himachal Pradesh is tempered by the fact that its performance in the north-east has been mixed.
Despite a strong showing in Meghalaya, it has lost ground in Nagaland and failed to oust the ruling Marxists from Tripura.
The results in Nagaland has raised particular interest especially after recently held peace talks between Delhi and a powerful Naga separatist group.
More than 60% of the voters turned out in Nagaland, raising hopes of a peace settlement.
Although the rebels did not take part in the polls, they will welcome the losses suffered by the Congress which rules the state.
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