Washington: Tightening his grip on the party nomination for US presidential elections, Democratic frontrunner Barack Obama today bagged crucial North Carolina primary dealing a major blow to rival Hillary Clinton's campaign as the race enters its last leg.

Maintaining that he was "less than 200 delegates away from the nomination", Obama congratulated Clinton "on what appears to be her victory (in Indiana)" even as the US news channels were muted on predicting the winner.

"This has been one of the longest, most closely fought contests in American history. And that's partly because we have such a formidable opponent in Senator Hillary Clinton," the 47-year-old Illionis Senator said addressing supporters after his triumph in the state, which has 115 delegates.

The African-American Senator also refuted the view that his prolonged race with Clinton was polarising the voters, which might prove detrimental for the party in the end.

"Many of the pundits have suggested that this party is inalterably divided, that Senator Clinton's supporters will not support me and that my supporters would not support her. Well, I am here tonight to tell you that I don't believe it." Obama said at his victory rally.

"Yes, yes, there have been bruised feelings on both sides. Yes, each side desperately wants their candidate to win. But ultimately this race is not about Hillary Clinton; it's not about Barack Obama; it's not about John McCain. This election is about you, the American people," he said.

Obama, who garnered a massive support from blacks in North Carolina primary, said, "You know, there are those who were saying that North Carolina would be a game-changer in this election. But today what North Carolina decided is that the only game that needs changing is the one in Washington DC".

Source : PTI