THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the Central Election Commission (CEC) expressing complete satisfaction over the preparations for the Assembly elections in the state, the political fronts are gearing up for discussions and tactics on the conclusion that the polls will be held before mid-April. The election to Malappuram Lok Sabha constituency, which fell vacant after the resignation of IUML MP Kunhalikutty, will be held simultaneously with the coming assembly polls, the Election Commission said.

The Central Election Commission said it was satisfied with the state's preparations and Covid control measures, but did not give a clear indication on the polling date. He told a news conference after a two-day detailed review that the decision would take into account the CBSE exam as well. Festivals in the states where the elections are being held and the facilities for the deployment of the Central Army will be considered.

At the same time, when asked by reporters whether the election will be held in the first week of April, the Commission's reply that the term of the Assembly is here till June 1 has many connotations. In Assam, where elections are to be held along with Kerala, April 15 is Bihu festival. In Kerala, Easter is on April 4 and Vishu is on the 14th. As more Central forces will be deployed in West Bengal besides Assam, the fronts are worried whether the commission will decide to conduct elections in places including Kerala, after the polls in these states are completed.

In Bengal and Assam, where the issue of citizenship is likely to be a major issue, elections are likely to be held during the month of Ramadan itself. As there is no decrease in Covid cases in Kerala, the polls may be extended considering that. Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry are the other two states where elections are to be held.

The Election Commission has stated that there is no impediment to raising the Sabarimala issue in the election campaign. Chief Electoral Officer of the state Tikaram Meena took a strong stand against the Sabarimala issue in the last Lok Sabha elections. The commission said it would only intervene if any issue created a law and order problem.