Election Commission begins Assam visit

Guwahati, Feb 3 (IANS) The full bench of the Election Commission led by Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi arrived here Wednesday for a two-day visit to review the preparations for Assam's assembly elections.

'We will be holding meetings with political parties, civil and police officials besides influential organisations and teachers,' Quraishi told reporters.

He is accompanied by the two election commissioners, V.S. Sampath and H.S. Brahma.

The elections to the 126-member state legislature are due before May.

Both the ruling Congress party and the main opposition, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), have demanded that elections be held before Bohag Bihu - the Assamese New Year - beginning April 14.

The AGP, however, wants the polls to be held in five phases.

'We shall take into consideration all viewpoints before finalising the poll schedule,' the chief election commissioner said.