Stage set for Delhi, MP, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Mizoram polls, dates announced

"The Model Code of Conduct comes into immediate effect with the announcement of dates," the CEC said announcing that the Commission is deploying adequate general observers, police observers, expenditure observers and awareness observers to ensure free and fair polls.

Voters will for the first time also exercise the "None of the Above" (NOTA) option during these assembly polls after the Supreme Court allowed it in a recent judgement. The Commission is making arrangements so that voters can exercise this option and will create awareness on it.

"The Commission is working out details and steps for introducing NOTA in this election itself," Sampath said.