Despite Omicron threat, all political parties had urged the poll body to conduct elections in the five states -Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa, Uttarakhand, and Manipur – on time.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday announced the dates for assembly polls in five states – Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur. Assemblies of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur will expire on May 14, March 23, March 23, March 15, March 19 respectively.
Out of these 5 poll-bound states, the BJP is in power in 4 states including Goa, Manipur, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, leaders from all the political parties are campaigning aggressively for months to register their win in the upcoming polls.
Besides the poll schedule, Covid-19 protocols will also be announced amid the rising number of cases across India. Last week, the poll body held a meeting with the Health Ministry to discuss the current Covid situation in the five states. The Health Ministry had submitted a report on the resurgence and the status of vaccination coverage across the nation. Several political parties have already announced cancellation of political rallies and are focusing more on digital campaigns in the wake of the unabated surge.
Voting in all 5 states to be completed in 7 phases: Election Commission
Voting in all 5 states to be completed in 7 phases: Election Commission
Uttar Pradesh:
First Phase: Feb 10
Second Phase: Feb 14
Third Phase: Feb 20
Fourth Phase: Feb 23
Fifth Phase: Feb 27
Sixth Phase: March 3
Seventh Phase: March 7
Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab
Single-phase voting on February 14
Manipur
First Phase: Feb 27
Second Phase: March 3
Counting : March 10
