Assembly poll results to be announced on 4 March

The Election Commission today announced the dates for assembly elections in the five states going to polls.

They are Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur, and the model code of conduct comes into immediate effect from today.

While polling in Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur will be held in a single phase, those in Uttar Pradesh will be held in seven-phases on  February 4, 8, 11, 15, 19, 23 and 28.

Polling in Manipur on 28th January, while in Punjab and Uttarakhand they have been scheduled for 30th January.

Counting of votes in all five states will be held simultaneously on 4 March.

Around 80,000 paramilitary personnel, apart from state policemen, are expected to be deployed during the polls.

Chief election commissioner S Y Quraishi yesterday held discussions with election commissioners V S Sampath and H S Brahma, union home secretary R K Singh and other senior officers regarding the availability of para-military personnel for the polls.

The home ministry assured the election commission of the availabilty of 700 to 800 companies (70,000-80,000 personnel) of paramilitary forces in the five states durring the polls.
 
the election commission has also asked director general Narcotics Control Bureau to prevent the use of narcotic substances, particularly in Punjab and  Goa during the polls.