The key political players in Himachal Pradesh state in north-west India are the Indian National Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party.
This was later changed in 1963 when the Government of Union Territories Act was passed, providing Himachal with a Legislative Assembly and Chief Minister again.
The state's first Chief Minister was Yashwant Singh Parmar, who led the region's early development post-Independence.
However, in 1977, with Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's Emergency extremely unpopular throughout the nation, Congress were dealt heavy electoral blows.
His ministry only lasted for 3 years though, and after multiple party defections,[8] Congress regained power in February 1980 with Ram Lal once again assuming the office of Chief Minister.
This administration didn't last either, and after scandals and political turmoil, Ram Lal was forced to resign in 1983, a year after he'd narrowly won re-election.
Ever since 1985, no incumbent party has managed to retain control of the Legislative Assembly, and power has flipped between the BJP and INC every few years.