Polls in october-november: EC

The Election Commission today said Assembly elections could be held in Bihar in October-November.

"Having carefully considered various pros and cons and the recommendations of the two-member team, the commission is of the unanimous view that holding of free and fair polls during the period July, August and September 2005 is ruled out," the commission said in a press note.

The commission will frame a suitable time schedule for elections in Bihar in due course taking into account all relevant factors including religious festivals and the ground realities such as floods.

"It will be our earnest endeavour to complete the election process by November 22," the commission said.

Though the UPA partners welcomed the announcement, NDA leader and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar alleged that the commission had based its decision on the "tailored report" of the state administration.

He said the October-November polls was difficult in view of festivals like Dussehra, Diwali, Chhath and Id.