The Election Commission is likely to announce the polling dates for five states — Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Punjab and Goa — on Wednesday at 12 pm. The poll watchdog on Tuesday met with the Chief Electoral Officers of all the poll-bound states to fine tune election arrangements. The EC last week had also asked the five poll-bound states to brace up for the elections and had urged strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct that would come into force immediately after the announcement of polls. The terms of the legislative assemblies of Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur are ending in mid-March, while the Uttar Pradesh assembly’s term would expire in May. As per the law, elections to the legislative assembly of a state must be held — and new assembly formed — well before its term expires. The law and order situation in Manipur due to road blockade by some Naga groups was the focus of attention of the Commission in the meeting, sources told PTI. At the meeting, the assessment of the law and order situation, deployment of polling personnel, safety and electronic voting machines and strict implementation of the model code of conduct also came up for discussion. [caption id=“attachment_3187064” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Image courtesy: IBNLive[/caption] In its report to the EC, the Union Home Ministry has conveyed that ground situation in Manipur following the blockade of National Highway 2 by United Naga Council and the state government’s alleged “failure” to resume normal traffic even after 60 days. “In the report, the Home Ministry told the EC about the ongoing tension and grave situation prevailing in Manipur. The EC may independently make an assessment of the situation so that election can be conducted properly,” a top Home Ministry official had told PTI on Monday. Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry will provide around 85,000 security personnel for deployment in the upcoming assembly elections in the five states. At a high-level meeting with the Election Commission yesterday, top officials of the Ministry led by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi conveyed that it would provide around 750 companies of paramilitary forces for smooth conduct of the election process in the five states. In addition, around 100 companies, most of which belong to State Armed Police Forces and India Reserve Battalions, will also be drawn from different states for deployment of election duties. A company of paramilitary force comprises of around 100 personnel. As of now, the Commission plans to hold seven-phased assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh and single-phased in the other states. But with situation in Manipur assuming alarming proportions, the poll body may go for multiple phases in the North Eastern state. But there is no official word on it. With inputs from agencies
LIVE: Uttar Pradesh votes in 7 phases from 11 Feb to 8 March; counting on 11 March
The Election Commission is likely to announce the polling dates for five states — Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Punjab and Goa — on Wednesday at 12 pm.
 "LIVE: Uttar Pradesh votes in 7 phases from 11 Feb to 8 March; counting on 11 March")
Full text of the Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct for the five states
Election Commission of India by Firstpost on Scribd
UP CM candidate Sheila Dikshit open to a tie up with the Samajwadi Party, reported India Today
I am in favour of alliance with SP. I am ready to withdraw as CM candidate if there is an alliance with SP: Sheila Dikshit
— IndiaTodayFLASH (@IndiaTodayFLASH) January 4, 2017
Congress’ UP chief minister candidate Sheila Dikshit on the upcoming poll
Elections brings challenges,parties know it; now dates are announced can schedule programs better:Sheila Dikshit,Cong CM candidate #UPpolls pic.twitter.com/a26dDEP2Ky
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) January 4, 2017
UP BJP chief Keshav Prasad Maurya on election
UP election officials act like SP office bearers;imp to replace them for fair elections-KP Maurya,UP BJP Pres after announcement of #UPpolls pic.twitter.com/pye2SofJOU
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) January 4, 2017
Ruling Congress may continue alliance in Uttarakhand
In the run-up to the election in the hill state of Uttarakhand, the Congress party indicated that it might continue its alliance with the Progressive Democratic Front, which includes the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal, BSP as well as three independents.
Pre-election situation in Goa
Currently under the rule of a Bharatiya Janata Party-led coalition, the state assembly election will see not only the local parties like Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and established national parties like the Congress, BJP, NCP and Trinamool Congress but also marks the debut of Aam Aadmi Party in the tiny state.
Manipur to witness two phase polling, despite economic blockade
The state of Manipur, which is currently governed by Congress under Ibobi Singh has been battling with a law and order situation due to a road blockade by some Naga groups. The blockade had started as a response to the Congress government to create seven new districts in Manipur, a decision opposed by the United Naga Council (UNC), which started the blockade.
Amarinder Singh on single phase poll in Punjab
Happy, we had requested the EC to conduct polls in single phase in Punjab. Our manifesto is very comprehensive: Capt Amarinder Singh, Cong pic.twitter.com/Zx65s1WuFw
— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2017
Amarinder Singh on upcoming elections
Former Chief Minister of Punjab dismisses his opponents, says he is confident of Congress winning two-third majority.
“Not a do or die battle. It is a do battle. We will win the battle.. We will trash our opponents.. AAP was a movement which is now on its way down”.
Election Commission to curb unaccounted funding
Commission is in favour reducing limit of anonymous donations to Rs 2000 only, also mulling on whether we can switch to digital payments-ECI
— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2017
Heated contests in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab
In Punjab, the fight is between the SAD-BJP alliance, Congress and the new entrant Aam Aadmi Party. In Uttar Pradesh, the electoral battle will be between Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, BJP and the Congress.
EC is committed to abide by SC's order; it will be implemented effectively: Nasim Zaidi, ECI on SC's decision on Hindutva case pic.twitter.com/9aYFEFMRhs
— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2017
Zaidi on fight over party symbol in Samajwadi Party
Any query on freezing of Samajwadi Party poll symbol is hypothetical at this point of time. Let us first examine the documents, Zaidi told reporters when asked about the ongoing tug of war on the party symbol ‘cycle’.
Zaidi also added that the Union Budget, which will be presented on 1 February, will not interfere with any of the election processes.
CEC Zaidi:Any query on freezing of SP poll symbol is hypothetical at this point of time. Let us first examine documents
— Bharti Jain (@bhartijainTOI) January 4, 2017
CEC Zaidi: EC to implement. SC order on religious/caste appeals. We appeal to all parties to also follow it
— Bharti Jain (@bhartijainTOI) January 4, 2017
Election Commission has received one representations with regard to presentation of budget. The EC is examining it and will take call on it in due course, Chief Election Commissioner Zaidi said.
Commission has received one representations with regard to presentation of budget; examining it and will take call on it in due course: ECI pic.twitter.com/25O5urj5X8
— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2017
UP Assembly polls: Date of poll for 3rd phase: Feb 19, Phase 4: Feb 23, Phase 5: Feb 27, Phase 6: March 4, Phase 7: March 8: ECI
— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2017
Uttar Pradesh — 7-phased election in 403 seats
First phase: 73 constituencies, 15 districts go to polls on 11 February
Second phase: Polling date 15 February
Third phase: 69 constituencies go to polls on 19 February
Fourth phase: 53 constituencies to go to polls on 23 February
Fifth phase: 53 constituencies 27 February
Sixth Phase: 49 constituencies include 7 districts and they go to polls on 4 March
Seventh Phase: 40 constituencies to includue 7 districts go to polls on 8 March
Goa, Manipur, Punjab and Uttarakhand dates announced
Goa will hold elections on Feb 4; Punjab will vote on Feb 4: CEC Nasim Zaidi pic.twitter.com/qIMnfAyr7X
— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2017
Elections in Uttarakhand to be held on Feb 15th in single phase: ECI
— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2017
Elections in Manipur in 2 phases; Phase 1 polling on March 4th, Phase 2 polling on March 8th : ECI
— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2017
Elections in Uttarakhand to be held on Feb 15th in single phase: ECI
— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2017
Goa will hold elections on Feb 4; Punjab will vote on Feb 4: CEC Nasim Zaidi pic.twitter.com/qIMnfAyr7X
— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2017
Goa – Single phase in all 40 constituencies
Date of notification: 11 January
Scrutiny of nomination: 19 January
Last day for withdrawal of candidature: 21 Jan
Election Date: 4 February
Election schedule for Goa-Date of notification Jan 11,last date for making Jan 18th, withdrawal of candidature-Jan 21.Election date-Feb 4-EC
— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2017
Expenses above Rs 20,000 have to be out of bank accounts to be set up and it has to be through cheques: ECI
— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2017
There will be strict expenditure monitor mechanism to curb black money, says Zaidi. Calling the media their friend, Zaidi said that the EC will take up the issue of paid news very seriously.
Zaidi thanks all the state governments and relevant authorities for scheduling and planning the elections.
Facilitation kiosks set up by political parties will deemed to be set up by candidate and expense on them counted as candidate's
— Bharti Jain (@bhartijainTOI) January 4, 2017
ECI discourages use of environmentally hazardous material in Assembly Elections campaigns: CEC Nasim Zaidi pic.twitter.com/zhlqWhW1cx
— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2017
Kiosks/bastas set up by candidates will be deemed to be set up by candidates, to be included in election exp. by candidates: CEC pic.twitter.com/2BemHUEleF
— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2017
Poll expense limit for candidates has been restricted as following:
Rs 28 lakh for Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Uttarakhand and Rs 20 lakh for Goa and Manipur. Election Commission is committed to discourage use of plastics and noise pollution by loudspeakers in upcoming state polls.
Facilitation kiosks set up by political parties will deemed to be set up by candidate and expense on them counted as candidate's
— Bharti Jain (@bhartijainTOI) January 4, 2017
Additional affidavit by candidates, no-demand certificate for telephone, electricity and govt accommodation must be filed. Failure to file these will invite scrutiny, Zaidi said.
Candidates will be required to affix photo on nomination papers, he will be required to mention that he is citizen of India: ECI
— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2017
CEC Zaidi: EC to make all efforts to facilitate voting by physically challenged voters
— Bharti Jain (@bhartijainTOI) January 4, 2017
CEC Zaidi: Ballot paper on EVMs to have photo of candidate for the first time
— Bharti Jain (@bhartijainTOI) January 4, 2017
#StatePolls Postal ballot to service voters to be transmitted one-way in certain identified assembly constituencies
— Bharti Jain (@bhartijainTOI) January 4, 2017
Model code of conduct comes into effect right away
1.85 lakh polling stations to be in operation for Assembly Elections to the five states, CEC Zaidi said. “Every polling station will have four posters for voting procedure and dos and don’ts,” Zaidi said.
EC: Every polling station will have voter assistance booth manned by election personnel
— Bharti Jain (@bhartijainTOI) January 4, 2017
Every polling station will have 4 posters for voting procedure and dos and don'ts: Nasim Zaidi, ECI pic.twitter.com/GvWwkXVGa1
— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2017
1.85 lakh polling stations to be in operation for Assembly Elections to the five states: CEC Nasim Zaidi pic.twitter.com/UXBBnVYJEZ
— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2017
Voter guides to be issued specifying polling station, date & time of polling; identification document & 'do's and don'ts'
— Bharti Jain (@bhartijainTOI) January 4, 2017
EC: Every polling station will have voter assistance booth manned by election personnel
— Bharti Jain (@bhartijainTOI) January 4, 2017
160 million voters to participate in the polls
Nearly 160 million voters will be participating in the polls. “There will be complete accountablility of photo voter slips, colourful voter guides will be distributed to each family,” CEC Nasim Zaidi said.
Height of voting compartments has been raised to 30 inch for secrecy: Nasim Zaidi, ECI pic.twitter.com/yVIji4URx5
— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2017
160 million voters to participate in the polls
Nearly 160 million voters will be participating in the polls. “There will be complete accountablility of photo voter slips, colourful voter guides will be distributed to each family,” CEC Nasim Zaidi said.
Height of voting compartments has been raised to 30 inch for secrecy: Nasim Zaidi, ECI pic.twitter.com/yVIji4URx5
— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2017
Final electoral rolls
Final electoral rolls to be published in Goa on 5 January, Manipur 12 January, Punjab 5 January, Uttarakhand 10 January and Uttar Pradesh 12 January. EC has also mandated to constitute assemblies of these 5 states prior to expiry of term of their existing assemblies.
At every polling booth, there will be a polling assistant to help those who do not have necessary papers.
#StatePolls EC is mandated to constitute assemblies of these 5 states prior to expiry of term of their existing assemblies
— Bharti Jain (@bhartijainTOI) January 4, 2017
Delhi: ECI briefs media, to announce election dates for upcoming Assembly polls in UP, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur & Goa pic.twitter.com/xo4UsfY8FW
— ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2017
BJP national executive meet on 6-7 January
As EC readies to announce election dates in the five poll bound states, reports said that BJP senior leaders will meet on 6 and 7 January to discuss the party’s preparedness for the upcoming polls.
Pre-certify your adverts: EC to political parties
The poll panel has also reminded political parties to approach the Media Certification and Monitoring Committees at district and state level, for pre-certification of their political advertisements proposed to be issued in the electronic media.
Election Commission’s list of dos and don’ts
In a letter sent to the Cabinet Secretary and chief secretaries of the poll-bound states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Manipur and Punjab in December, the Commission has compiled a set of instructions issued in the past to drive home the point that model code should be implemented effectively with the announcement of poll schedule.
The list of dos and don’ts issued by the Commission includes prevention of misuse of public place, avoiding use of official vehicles for campaigning, removing pictures of political functionaries from state government websites and bar on use of public money for advertisements to help the ruling party.
UP may go for 7-phased election; Others to have election on a single day
Except Uttar Pradesh, which may go for a seven-phased elections, the other states could have elections on a single day. While the term of the Uttar Pradesh assembly expires on 27 May this year, the terms of four state assemblies end in March 2017.
EC likely to announce polls in Manipur despite MHA expressing concerns regarding law and order situation due to ongoing Naga blockade
— Bharti Jain (@bhartijainTOI) January 4, 2017
 "US ready to ‘impose costs’ on Russia if war in Ukraine drags on, says Hegseth")
 "US tells Hamas to stop violence against Gaza civilians and disarm 'without delay'")
 "China seizes 60,000 maps mislabelling Taiwan, omitting South China Sea islands")
 "Syria’s Sharaa pledges to honor Russia ties, seeks economic and military support in Kremlin visit")
 "US ready to ‘impose costs’ on Russia if war in Ukraine drags on, says Hegseth")
 "US tells Hamas to stop violence against Gaza civilians and disarm 'without delay'")
 "China seizes 60,000 maps mislabelling Taiwan, omitting South China Sea islands")
 "Syria’s Sharaa pledges to honor Russia ties, seeks economic and military support in Kremlin visit")
Top Shows
