"At the moment, no decision has been taken. We are assessing the situation," said Gopalaswami, flanked by the other two commissioners. Replying to a volley of questions as to what prevented the EC from going ahead with the polls when the Centre was ready with forces for the exercise, he said "we will get back to you as soon as we take a decision. Forces are one part of the issues. There are so many other issues. I do not want to say anything more".

Asked whether it meant that elections will not be held before March because of winter, the CEC said "that you leave it to us". While key state political parties, PDP and NC, felt the current atmosphere was not conducive for the elections, BJP and the Left parties wanted immediate polls. The Congress said it was the Commission's call.

The term of the Assembly would have ended on November 20. But since the state was placed under Governor's rule, the elections have to be held before January 10.