Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Feb 5: Sources in the Election Commission have revealed that tentatively Assembly election in the state is proposed to be held in single phase on May 4 or 5. They added that holding of election on one of these these two dates is almost certain.

It is also gathered that preparations are afoot to issue election notification in this respect on March 20.

Election notification is issued 45 days prior to the election. Therefore, election will be held on May 4 or 5, and counting of votes would be held on May 8. As new Assembly has to be formed in the state by May 28 this year, election has to be concluded, counting needs to be completed, and the new government has to be formed by then.

Staff of the Central Election Commission deputed to the state already have met officials land political leaders and held discussions with them. They also have collected information about law and order situation in Karnataka.

The Commission, it is said, has made up its mind to hold Assembly election in the state in one phase unlike in the past. All political parties too are learnt to have expressed their opinion in favour of single phase polling.

The final date would be announced after the Commission holds another round of meeting with the state chief secretary and director general of police at New Delhi soon. It may be recalled that union minster, Prakash Javadekar, had predicted that new government in Karnataka would come into being on May 10.