One of the most important factors in deciding the dates was the flood relief work in Tamil Nadu, said a top level source in the Election Commission..
The next set of crucial state polls -- in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry -- is likely to be held by the second week of May, Election Commission sources have revealed.
West Bengal and Assam in the east are likely to go to polls on May 12, while Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry in the south are likely to elect their assemblies on May 14, according to a tentative calendar drawn up by the Election Commission.
Results for the polls will likely be announced on May 18.
One of the most important factors in deciding the dates was the flood relief work in Tamil Nadu, said a top level source in the Election Commission.
“The model code of conduct will not be a blockade for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry governments to implement flood relief work. The rehabilitation efforts will be given top priority so as to allow people to fearlessly cast their votes,” added the official.
Highly-placed sources in the Election Commission further told Rediff.com that once the initial visits to the states are completed and officials come to a clear-cut understanding of ground realities, the dates would be decided by the EC.
“Certainly, we shall take all stakeholders into confidence before arriving at conclusive dates. All possible precautions based on religious sentiments and other aspects such as examinations and local weather conditions will be factored into the decision,” said the source.
The EC will also approach the paramilitary forces and work out the deployments of troops for the elections.
Of the states going to polls, the term of the Tamil Nadu assembly ends first, on May 22, followed by West Bengal's on May 29. Kerala’s term ends on May 31, while Puducherry and Assam's end on June 2 and 5 respectively.
