Karnataka polls sooner than Cong expectations

It seems the Election Commission's (EC) efficiency is giving the Congress sleepless nights with regard to the party's prospects in Karnataka. According to top sources in the Congress, the relief the party was feeling after the notification of delimitation of seats did not last long.

"After the delimitation of seats was notified by the Cabinet and cleared by the President, it was assumed that the elections in Karnataka would be put off by at least six to eight months. The EC, however, has given a more abbreviated time-frame. It says the separation of polling booths can be done in as little time as a month or less," said a top source in the party.

It is no secret that the Congress had been hoping to put off elections in the state, giving time for the sympathy wave in favour of the BJP to dissipate.

The notification of delimitation was expected to prolong President's Rule in the state, but sources in the Congress say indications from the EC, especially Chief Election Commissioner Gopalaswami, makes it clear that the excuse may not work.

"It is merely a question of moving polling booths from one constituency to another, a short-order clerical job," said a source in the EC. In fact, work is already on to update electoral rolls in the state.

The rolls and other administrative work is set to be completed long before the term of President's Rule in the state is to expire in May.

The BJP had already petitioned the EC to expedite work on re-allocation of polling booths, or hold elections under the previous notification of seats.

The Congress is adamant that the Karnataka Assembly elections have to be held under the new notification. "There are constitutional provisions supporting both points of view," said an EC official.