Poll schedule for 5 States likely in a week
Source: The Sangai Express / TNN

New Delhi, December 29 2016: There is speculation that Assembly elections in the five States of UP, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur may be announced in a week's time, amid indications that the Election Commission may not follow the convention of waiting until publication of the revised electoral rolls before declaring the poll dates.

TOI has learnt that the poll schedule may be announced anytime between December 31 and January 4, though there is no confirmation from official sources.

Incidentally, political circles are abuzz with speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may make a big announcement in the next couple of days, offering some concession or relief to the poor and others affected by demonetisation.

Of course, it remains to be seen if this relief is timed well to beat the model code of conduct that will kick in as soon as the dates are announced.

In case the State polls are declared before Prime Minister Modi's scheduled address to a mega BJP rally in Lucknow on January 2, the event will offer a perfect opportunity for the BJP to launch its poll campaign in UP.

The rally may in that case turn out to be the first political show by BJP, besides putting it ahead of the other 3 contenders for power in UP.

Sources said discussions with the Union Home Ministry on deployment of Central-para military forces are almost final, and that polling may get underway in February and stretch over 6 to 7 phases to end in first week of March.

This is because school exams are due to be held in March, restricting the availability of schools and teachers for the conduct of polls.

Also, the terms of the Punjab, Goa and Manipur Assemblies are expiring on March 18, 2017 .

Barring UP, where the polling will be staggered over nearly 7 phases, all other States are likely to have a single-phase poll.

Comment