Dec 12 when Gujarat will vote on Modi

After the special revision of the rolls, the Commission discovered that 2.24 lakh voters were missing from the voters’ lists. But these names have been included ‘‘provisionally’’ in the list in case these voters turn up on polling day to vote.

The Commission has also relaxed the norms for identification, especially for those riot victims, who have lost their belongings in the communal disturbances.

Announcing the schedule, Chief Election Commissioner J M Lyngdoh said: ‘‘The situation in the state is all right. But we are not taking any chances. For that reason, we have sought a large force from the Home Ministry to keep the mischief-makers away.’’

The model code of conduct has come into effect from 10.30 am today and would apply to all political parties, the state government and the Centre.

Lyngdoh said that the notification for election would be issued on November 18, the last date for filing nominations will be November 25 followed by scrutiny of papers the next day. The last day for withdrawal of candidature will be November 28 and votes would be cast through 45,000 electronic voting machines.

Lyngdoh said that after the special revision of the voters lists in Gujarat, it was discovered that about four lakh voters were missing. Of theses 1.76 lakh have been relocated and would vote from their new addresses including those in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh with the help of the state chief electoral officers.

‘‘All efforts are being made to locate these shifted voters both within the state as well as in the neighbouring states, where they are likely to have migrated, to provide them with the facility of casting their votes from their present places’’, he said.

‘‘We have reason to believe that most of them shifted for economic reasons and may not be because of the riots. Surat, for example, was hardly affected by riots but migration took place there. The economic slump after the September 11 terrorists strike in the US could have contributed to the migration,’’ he said.

Lyngdoh said he held discussions with the Union Home Secretary and Gujarat government officials for ensuring that even the ‘‘little voter whatever be his denomination or background, was free to vote.’’

On whether the Commission was convinced that free and fair elections could now be held under Gujarat Government headed by Modi, Lyngodh said, ‘‘We will not do it if we had any doubt at all. Circumstances change. Now the Gujarat Government is in a mood to comply’’.

On whether he was confident that the minorities would vote fearlessly, Lyngodh said, ‘‘We are not psychologists nor are we social workers keeping in constant touch with the people. We are quite aware about our own limitations. We will give them all conditions to allow them to vote’’.

He also said that so far no member of the diplomatic community has approaced the Commission for assistance to be present at the elections.

Along with Gujarat, bye-elections will also be held for three vacant Lok Sabha seats of Mehsana (Gujarat), Godda (Jharkhand) and Nainital (Uttaranchal).

Vacancies in three state assemblies would also be filled with bye-elections to Daporiji (Arunachal Pradesh), Khumtai (Assam) and Bansur, Sagwara and Bali (Rajasthan).