Poll panel may advance Haryana elections to October

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission is considering delinking the Haryana polls from the assembly elections in Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Jammu & Kashmir, all due between October 2014 and January 2015. Since the term of the Haryana assembly expires on October 27, the Commission is keen to complete polls in the state by mid-October to leave time for government formation.

However, the assembly polls in the other three states, including Maharashtra where the term of the assembly expires only on December 7, may wait until November-December.

The next round of assembly poll is significant as it will be the first test for the Narendra Modi government after its thumping victory in the April-May Lok Sabha polls.

For the Congress too, the polls will hold special significance as it faces a tough test in Maharashtra and Haryana due to a strong anti-incumbency factor. The results, which are not quite expected to redeem the Congress after its drubbing in the Lok Sabha polls, are likely to pave the way for Priyanka Vadra's political plunge. She may join the organization under vice-president and her brother Rahul Gandhi. Her nod seems to be finally in after a prolonged reluctance.

The EC, which is examining all options for the assembly poll time-table, is not in favour of bringing forward the Maharashtra polls to match the Haryana schedule, given that the western state is witnessing an erratic monsoon and its impact, including flooding, may well continue until October. "Since we have time until early December, November will be more suitable in terms of weather," an EC official told TOI.

The November schedule is also seen as suitable for Jharkhand and Jammu & Kashmir. Polls in J&K may spill over to December. While the term of the Jharkhand assembly is expiring on January 3, Jammu & Kashmir assembly has time until January 19. Incidentally, the 2008 assembly polls in J&K were held over seven phases between November 17 and December 24.

The Commission is yet to discuss the Central force deployment details with the Union home ministry. The J&K schedule will essentially be decided depending on the extent of forces spared by the Centre. The militancy-prone state is likely to witness the deployment of around 50,000 to 60,000 para-military troops for watching over the polls.

Indications are that the Haryana polls may be announced in early September, and possible scheduled between Dussehra (October 3) and Diwali (October 23). The polls to the remaining three states - Maharashtra, J&K and Jharkhand -- may be announced later in October.