New Delhi: The Election Commission is likely to finalise on Saturday the schedule for assembly polls in the five states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur, amid indications that the poll dates could be
announced "very soon".
The poll schedule would be finalised after the meeting between Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi and Election Commissioners V S Sampath and H S Brahma on Saturday.
The schedule for the elections, which are likely to start in February this year, will be decided by the EC after assessing the availability of para-military forces from the government.
The Election Commission on Friday held discussions with Home Secretary R K Singh on the availability of para-military forces for assembly polls in the five states.
Around 80,000 paramilitary personnel, apart from state policemen, are expected to be deployed during the assembly polls.
The Home Ministry conveyed to the Election Commission that it was ready to provide 700 to 800 companies (70,000-80,000 personnel) of paramilitary forces for deployment in the five states. The polls are likely to be held during February-March.
Sources said polling in politically-sensitive Uttar Pradesh is expected to be multi-phased while it will be in one phase in the other four states.
"It was a good meeting... On the basis of our requirements and the commitment given by the government, we will meet tomorrow to discuss the issue," Quraishi told PTI.
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