Uttar Pradesh and four other states will go to polls simultaneously, most likely in February-March next year, commencing shortly after the presentation of the Union Budget on February, sources in the Election Commission said on Sunday. While it will be a single-day polling in Punjab, Goa, Uttarakhand and Manipur, Uttar Pradesh is likely to have as many as seven phases. Uttarakhand, where the ruling Congress staged a sensational comeback this year following a legal battle, is fighting anti-incumbency and facing challenge from the BJP. Goa, where the ruling BJP is seeking a fresh term, is pitted against the Congress and the AAP. It is also working out the requirements regarding security forces with the Centre and the states concerned for ensuring the polls are free and fair.

Source: Hindustan Times October 23, 2016 20:17 UTC