‘Dissolution of assembly must for early polls’

NEW DELHI: CM Arvind Kejriwal can't call for an early election in the capital without recommending dissolution of the assembly.Though Election Commission of India may hold the parliamentary or assembly polls six months before they are due, experts said there was no provision in Constitution for a govt to continue to remain in office after suggesting an earlier date for elections.SN Sahu, an expert on Constitution who has served in Parliament on various positions, said Election Commission cannot work on the advice of an early election in the state of a govt in power. "If the chief minister resigns and recommends dissolution of the House, EC will start preparations for the polls," said Sahu.Former Lok Sabha secretary general PDT Achary asserted that Election Commission was not "duty bound" to accept Kejriwal's suggestion of early polls. He added that if the chief minister resigns, the entire govt has to go with him and there would have to be a new dispensation in place, since LG would require the aid and advice of the council of ministers to function.Former Delhi assembly secretary SK Sharma said once govt resigned, it would be for EC to decide the dates to conduct polls. "There are several factors that EC may consider while deciding on the polls schedule. Enough time should be given to the parties to prepare; there should be no important festival or examinations during that time. EC also has to look for the poll machinery and manpower to conduct elections," said Sharma.Achary also said the new chief minister would have to pick his or her own council of ministers. The leader of AAP legislative party would have to stake claim to form govt. With the new CM, a new cabinet, which may have all the old faces or entirely new names, will also take oath of office.