New Delhi: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) T S Krishna Murthy today (Feb 8, 2004) said the Commission would announce the schedule for the Lok Sabha polls at "an appropriate time".

"We are getting well prepared. At an appropriate time, we will announce it. We have certain procedural formalities to be followed particularly discussions with the Home Ministry and Chief Secretaries and DGPs of States," Krishna Murthy told reporters soon after taking over as CEC.

The CEC said the Commission was in favour of simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.

Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Sikkim have informed the Commission about dissolution of their Houses, he said, adding, "We desire elections there should be held simultaneously".

Observing that discussions have to take place regarding deployment of paramilitary forces as well as local conditions in each State, particularly school examination schedules and weather conditions, Krishna Murthy said "we have a few options" regarding holding of polls.

He, however, declined to reveal them.