"We would be keeping in mind the the festival season while deciding the dates of the election. Generally we keep in mind all this things before deciding the date of polls," Sampath said in an apparent hint that the polls could be held after Diwali that falls on November 13.
However, the CEC maintained that the final decision in this regard has not been taken yet.
Ruling BJP today made a representation to the election commission team which is on a visit to the state, saying the festival season be taken into consideration before finalising the dates as it would have a bearing on voter turnout.
The EC team is here to review preparations being undertaken by the state election commission for the conduct of Assembly elections.
"The main concern expressed by the opposition political parties during run-up to election is regarding money power, paid news and communal incitement," Sampath said on the representations made by the parties.
"We will put a mechanism in place to deal with all the genuine issues raised by the political parties," the CEC said, adding that appropriate action will be taken to deal with the issues.
The term of the ruling government under Chief Minister Narendra Modi expires on January 17, 2013.
