Bypolls in state on June 12

HYDERABAD: The Election Commission of India on Tuesday announced the schedule for conducting byelections in one Lok Sabha and 18 Assembly constituencies in the state on June 12.A notification for the bypolls will be issued on May 18.May 25 will be the last day for receiving nominations.Scrutiny of nominations will take place on May 26 and the last day for withdrawal of nominations will be on May 28.Polling will be held from 8 am to 5 pm on June 12.Counting of votes and declaration of results will be on June 15.The model code of conduct has come into force with immediate effect in 12 districts _ Warangal, Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari, Guntur, Prakasam, Nellore, Kadapa, Kurnool, Anantapur and Chittoor districts.The byelections have been caused by the disqualification or resignation of 17 pro-Jagan MLAs and one MP.The Tirupati Assembly seat was vacated by Chiranjeevi after being elected to the Rajya Sabha.Speaking to reporters, chief electoral officer Bhanwar Lal said nearly 44 lakh voters would exercise their franchise using electronic voting machines at 5,405 polling stations.The electoral rolls have been revised with reference to January 1, 2012.The ongoing Prajapatham will not be allowed in the 12 districts and the state government will be barred from announcing new schemes which can impact the voters.No major official transfers will be allowed till the elections are over.Besides, opinion polls should not be telecast or published.Developmental works, sanctioned but not grounded, have to be put on hold.Only works already grounded would be allowed, Bhanwar Lal said.