No delay in holding polls, says EC

Asked specifically if the deployment of paramilitary forces in Kashmir would have a bearing on security arrangements for the polls, Gill said he would be meeting Union Home Secretary Kamal Pande on Thursday to discuss issues relating to poll security.

quot;The working group of the Election Commission has had many meetings and is aware of the complexities facing the country. But the Commission is also aware of its constitutional duties,quot; Gill said.

According to Election Commissioner G V G Krishnamurty the Constitution of India does not have any provision to postpone general elections throughout the country.

However, Gill parried attempts by journalists to pin him down on when the polls dates would be announced. quot;It will be neither too early nor too late,quot; he declared, adding that the model code of conduct comes into effect once the poll schedule is announced.

Working backwards, the CEC said the polls process, including the announcement of the results would have to be completed by October 7 in order to give the President roughly two weeks to call for government formation.

This would imply the four-phased polls would be held around the end of September and October 4.

Gill also refused to comment on whether polls in the six constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir would be held along with the rest of the country. quot;We have not worked out the specific dates when polls will be held in different statesquot;, he said.