Mumbai, September 17: The dates for Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha elections 2019 are likely to be announced by end of this week. A delegation of Election Commission (EC) will visit Maharashtra for multiple review meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday. The dates are unlikely to be declared until the review meetings with stakeholders are over, the Hindustan Times reported. In Maharashtra, Haryana and Jharkhand, BJP Likely to Fight Assembly Elections Under Incumbent Chief Ministers.

An official, speaking to Hindustan Times said that the announcement can be done on Thursday or Friday, September 19 or 20. "We require at least 35 days to complete the election process, including counting of votes. We will have to complete it before Diwali, which begins on October 27,” he said. Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2019: BJP-Shiv Sena Alliance Talks Go Awry Over Seat Sharing.

During the two day visit, a three-member delegation, including chief election commissioner Sunil Arora will hold several meetings. On Tuesday evening, they will meet officials from state election unit, cops, officials from various central departments to take stock of preparation ahead of 2019 Assembly polls, HT reported.

The poll panel team will also discuss the necessity of additional force from the Centre. They will also meet political parties to know their expectations and suggestions. Elections in Maharashtra will be held in October-November as the 13th Legislative Assembly will expire on November 9, 2019.

The elections are also due in Haryana and Jharkhand. According to reports, EC is likely to postpone polls in Jharkhand citing left-wing extremism in the state. The polls in Jharkhand might be held in phases later. However, election preparations in Maharashtra and Haryana are in the final stage.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 17, 2019 10:26 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).