Citing shortage in VVPATs, official says LS polls unlikely in December

If they are ready to go ahead with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) there will not be a problem, but the Parliamentary election cannot be held along with the assembly elections for five states with the available VVPATs,” the official noted.

Earlier, there was a talk among political circles that the Centre was planning to go for ‘One Nation, One Election’ concept and wanted to conduct Parliamentary elections along with Assembly elections of all states.

“The law needs to be amended to facilitate uniform election and it is not going to happen this time. Even BJP-ruled states like UP will not accept the proposal,” the official said. He added that along with election in five states, the by-election for Thirupparankundram and Thirvuvarur constituencies is likely to be held in December and the notification can be expected in October, at least 45 days before the election.

Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo said that the first special electoral camp would be conducted on Sunday and the electoral roll would be displayed in the respective polling booths for voters to check whether their names are present in the electoral roll ahead of the camp. “A couple of officials will be present in every booth to help people. If names are missing, people can get the forms and submit them at the booths. Ten IAS officers will monitor the special camps along with additions, deletions and corrections in the electoral roll,” Sahoo added.