New Delhi: The Election Commission of India may likely announce the dates for 2017 Assembly Elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur on Wednesday.
According to sources, preparations for Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur have been completed and the ECI is now ready to make a formal announcement in this regard.
It is said that while polls will be held in one phase in all other states, only Uttar Pradesh will witness the polls in seven phases and that the first phase of Assembly election would begin from western Uttar Pradesh. The polls in UP were held in seven phases even in 2012.
The Uttar Pradesh Assembly term ends on May 27. Assemblies in Punjab, Goa and Manipur are completing their term on March 18 while the Uttarakhand Assembly’s term is up to March 26.
The ECI last week held meeting to discuss security arrangements in all five poll-bound states. The Code of Conduct for elections will come into force once the ECI announces poll dates. The Commission gives 21 days to the political parties for campaigning after the elections are announced. The candidates get two weeks for filing the nominations.
In Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav led Samajwadi Party (SP) will fight with Mayawati’s BSP, Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to retain power.
Punjab will witness three-corner fight among ruling Akali Dal and BJP alliance, Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Goa will also witness a triangular contest among ruling BJP, Congress and AAP.
