"When we went to Himachal Pradesh, the state election commission, political parties and the administration told us that three districts - Kinnaur, Lahaul Spiti and Chamba - are likely to experience snowfall. Therefore, a request was made to conduct the elections earlier so that voters can cast their ballots," said Joti. "Another main reason is that Himachal and Gujarat are not adjoining states. The model code of conduct is applied from the day we make the announcement until the poll is over. So, if the states share the border, it should have been an issue, but with Gujarat, the situation is very different.

Source: Times of India October 23, 2017 09:46 UTC