RAJKOT, July 19: Chief Election Commissioner G V G Krishnamurthy today hinted that poll dates in Gujarat may be postponed because of festivals which coincide with the general elections in September.Addressing reporters at Rajkot circuit house, the CEC said he had received several representations from political parties and leaders pleading for a change in the dates, because the festival mood may affect the polls. Janmashthami, which is celebrated with fervour in Gujarat, especially in Saurashtra, coincides with polling dates in the State."We have received several representations from various political parties seeking a change in poll dates and are considering them seriously," he said. "Different states have different problems. Elections in democracy are held in a festive spirit and I do not want them to be held in a semi-festive semi-funeral mood. We will keep the representations in mind," he said.Krishnamurthy is here to review the election arrangements being made in Saurashtra, including security. "I am satisfied with the arrangements made here so far, in Rajkot and Surendranagar districts."Lacing his speech with humour, he said the Kargil conflict had upset the elections plans, forcing the Election Commission to organise the polls in five phases. "Extraordinary issues need extraordinary solutions. With the Kargil conflict on, national security was of utmost importance. About 50 per cent of the paramilitary forces were deployed in Jammu and Kashmir which could not be moved and deployed for elections. So the dates had to be fixed in such a way that the available paramilitary forces could be utilised without excess pressure on them," he said.
