Election Commission declares dates for HP Assembly polls

Vishal Sharma, Shimla Correspondent

            The voting for Himachal Pradesh assembly polls will take place on 4^th November 2012 whereas the counting of the votes will take place on 20^th December 2012. With addressing a press conference at Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner of India, Mr. V. S. Sampath made this announcement. The model code of conduct has come into effect in Himachal from 3^rd October 2012 onwards. The present Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha completes its tenure on 10^th January 2013.

He said that the notification in regard to the elections will be released on 10^th October 2012 where the last date for filling the nominations will be 17^th November 2012. The scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on 18^th October whereas the last date of withdrawing nominations will be 20^th October 2012. Voting for all the 68 assembly constituencies will take place on 4^th November whereas the counting of votes will be done on 20^th December 2012. The new state government is expected to be formed by 24^th December 2012.

Talking about some facts, Himachal Pradesh has a total of 45.16 Lac voters whereas; the polls will be conducted on 7252 polling booths.

In the present Vidhan Sabha, out of total 68 assembly seats, the ruling Bharatiya Janta Party has 41 seats, Indian National Congress has 23 seats while 4 seats are wrested by the Independent MLAs.