UP is likely to have four-five phase election in April-May while Punjab, Uttarakhand and Manipur may vote in February, say EC sources.
It seems Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati will not be able to cash in on the current anti-Congress mood and the grand success of F-One grand prix by going in for an early and phased assembly polls.
Viewed as a crucial test case for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s political carrier versus BSP chief Mayawati’s caste arithmetic and success in holding F-One race, the assembly elections are likely to be held from late March to early May next year and would be spread over four to five phases.
Though there were buzz that Mayawati has requested the Election Commission for an early and quick polls, top government sources said that given the likelihood of cut throat political rivalry accompanied by money and muscle power, the EC has almost firmed up its decision to hold the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls for 403 seats stand alone and in four to five phases.
“This would enable the EC to deploy maximum number of central paramilitary forces for smooth, free and fair conduct of elections,” sources said.
The Union home ministry is expected to provide 700 to 750 companies (70,000-75,000 personnel) of central paramilitary forces which the Election Commission wants to use fully in the Uttar Pradesh elections.
Sources in the Election Commission denied receiving any request for an early or lesser phase polls on behalf of the BSP or any other party.
The EC is expected to hold assembly elections simultaneously in three Punjab, Uttarakhand and Manipur in a single phase in February and will follow it up with Goa in April or May along with Uttar Pradesh.
“Goa elections will not be requiring much security forces thus allowing EC to concentrate fully on UP,” sources said.
However, wary of candidates already going into election mode and splurging money to woo voters, especially in UP, the EC is keen to issue the notification for the elections soon.
The EC has set a limit of Rs 16 lakh expenditure per candidate for assembly elections.
“We are keeping a close eye on such spendings and may censure those who have already gone into an election mode and using money,” a source in the EC said.
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