Why Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat polls announced on different days: Congress

NEW DELHI: Congress Thursday said the Election Commission must explain why the Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat polls were delinked, and why the model code of conduct was imposed in the hill state three days after the announcement of polls. AICC Gujarat in-charge Raghu Sharma alleged the delay in Gujarat schedule was to given BJP time to hold several rallies led by PM Modi.

He pointed out that HP and Gujarat election results are to be announced the same day. Sharma said the election announcement for HP was “special” as it was done on October 14 but the model code of conduct, which should come into force immediately, was imposed on October 17. “It is because the PM was to address a rally on October 16,” he said.