Model Code of Conduct to come into effect from tomorrow

Lucknow, Sep 22 (UNI) The Model Code of Conduct is expected to be enforced from tomorrow in Uttar Pradesh after the State Election Commission (SEC) issues notification for the urban local bodies polls in three-phases during October-November.

Yesterday, the state government, after much delay, notified the local bodies polls to be completed by November 6.

The local bodies polls would be a litmus test for all political parties in UP before the assembly polls to be held in the state in February-April next year.

SEC has already given approval to the dates fixed by the state government for holding urban local bodies' election.

According to the Urban Development Department, the polls will be held in three phases on October 28, 31 and November 3.

''The counting will be taken up on November 6 and the results will be declared the same date,'' officials said.

Meanwhile, the state government is expected to file an affidavit in the Allahabad High Court today regarding holding of the elections besides listing reasons for the delay.

The local bodies elections were delayed for more than a year following pending petitions in the court over reservation of seats.

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