Shimla : Though the BJP is ahead, its CM candidate Prem Kumar Dhumal is trailing in his constituency. Incumbent CM Virbhadra Singh and his son Vikramaditya are leading in their seats.

After two hours of counting, trends show the BJP is ahead, and the ruling Congress is trailing. The CPI(M) is leading in one seat and independents in two.

Counting is being held in 48 centres for 68 seats of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, almost 40 days after voting. Exit polls have favoured the BJP to win with a comfortable majority.

A total of 377 candidates contested for 68 seats. While the BJP and Congress fielded candidates on all seats, the BSP contested 42 seats followed by the CPI(M) 14, the Swabhiman party and the Lok Gathbandhan Party six each and the CPI-3.

The hill state witnessed a record 75.28 per cent turnout.