While announcing the dates for the Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab and Manipur, Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi on Wednesday said that the EC is committed to abide by the Supreme Court’s order on Hindutva case.
While polling in Goa and Punjab will take place on 4 February, Uttarakhand will vote on 15 February and Manipur in two phases on 4 and 8 March. Uttar Pradesh will go to the polls in seven phases: 11, 15, 19, 23 and 27 February and 4 and 8 March. The results will be announced on 11 March, said Zaidi. He also said that the EC is in favour reducing limit of anonymous donations to Rs 2,000, also mulling on switching to digital payments.
In a landmark verdict seeking to separate religion, caste and other issues from politics, the Supreme Court, by a majority verdict, had held as “corrupt” the practice of candidates appealing for votes on the basis of these identities included not only him but his agents and voters.
