Shimla: The Election Commission (EC) has not so far recognised the merger of Himachal Vikas Congress (HVC) with the Congress, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) T N Krishnamurthy said today (Apr 24, 2004).

The EC was not intimated about the merger till yesterday (Apr 23, 2004) and the HVC leaders met him and informed him of it only today, he said.

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The Commission would verify the process adopted for the merger before recognising it, Krishnamurthy said adding, "As of today, the Himachal Vikas Congress exists as a separate party."

The CEC, who reviewed the poll arrangements and met leaders of political parties here, said he had received some complaints about violation of model code of conduct from the Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and some other parties and these would be looked into.

He said there was no complaint regarding the conduct of the election process and said Himachal was known for peaceful elections.

Krishnamurthy said 6,232 polling booths had been set up and 31,36,990 (76 per cent) of the total number of 41,73,000 voters had been provided defect-free photo identity cards. Thirteen central observers, including four expenditure observers, have been appointed for smooth conduct of polls.

He said 29,000 employees had been deployed on poll duty and if required, Central Government employees would also be deployed to assure that the elections were free.