EC reviews poll arrangements

While the tenure of the Bihar Assembly ends on April nine, those of Orissa and Manipur expire in the last week of March. Haryana is already under Governor8217;s rule.

Besides the poll preparations, the meeting also discussed the poll schedule with the CEOs, Gill said, adding the Commission would be sending its officials again to review theelection arrangements in those states going to polls.

Gill said the summary revision of electoral rolls, now underway, would be published on January seven.

The revision of electoral rolls in Orissa has been cancelled in view of cyclone and the State would be using the 1999 rolls for the poll purposes, the CEC said.

Gill said the Commission would also hold by-elections to two parliamentary seats 8212; Bellary and Kannauj 8212; and 31 assembly seats in 11 states along with the assembly polls.

The CEC said the Commission would keep in mind the examination schedule and use of school buildings for the poll purposes before deciding on the poll schedule.

Stating that the Commission would review the poll arrangements including law and order situation with Union home secretary on Wednesday, he said it had already sought maximum Central forces to ensure a good ground situation for smooth polls in these four states.

The CEC said the Commission has also asked the Home Ministry to send a portion of the Centralforces three to four weeks in advance to Bihar in order to quot;sanitisequot; the areas before the elections.