EC sets to rest UP speculation

Along with the Assembly polls, the EC will also hold Lok Sabha by-polls to Robertsgunj, Mirzapur and Bilhour on the days the respective Assembly segments vote.

Sixty two constituencies will go to polls in the first phase, 58 in the second, 114 in the third and fourth, 58 in the fifth, 52 in the sixth and 59 in the seventh phase.

The poll dates were announced by the three-member Commission following Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswamy8217;s meeting with Home Secretary V K Duggal where the deployment of Central paramilitary and state police forces was finalised.

8220;The clock started ticking yesterday in terms of the 45-day mandatory period required to hold a seven-phase. In fact, we are 24 hour late. All relevant issues 8212; school examinations, festivals, movement of unlawful elements, availability of Central paramilitary forces 8212; were taken into account,8221; Gopalaswamy said.

The announcement of the poll schedule, coming as it does just days before the Budget session, may put a few roadblocks for both the general and rail budgets. With Gopalaswamy making clear that 8220;the model code of conduct has come into effect immediately8221;, the Government will now have to clear with the EC any UP-specific scheme or announcement planned in the budget.

8220;My duty is to conduct elections within the stipulated time, the Budget is not my concern,8221; Gopalaswamy said.

He declined comment on what would be the EC8217;s position if President8217;s rule were to be imposed in UP despite the poll announcement. 8220;I will cross the bridge when it comes,8221; was all that the CEC said on the matter.