New Delhi: The Election Commission announced the dates for the Gujarat Assembly elections this morning. The polls will be held in two phases in December. The EC has faced criticism from opposition parties for not announcing the dates for Gujarat polls along with Himachal Pradesh.

Addressing reporters at the Election Commission Office in New Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.K. Joti announced that first phase poll  will be held on Dec. 9 and second phase on Dec. 14. Counting will be held on Dec. 18 and the results will be declared the same day.  “The Model Code of Conduct will be applicable from now and Rs. 28 lakh is the ceiling of expenditure for candidates. Candidates will have to open separate account and use that for elections,” the CEC said. 50,128 polling booths will be set up and there will be CCTVs at border check-posts. There will be 102 all-women polling stations for the polls, he added.

When asked why there was a delay in announcing the poll dates for Gujarat, the CEC said it was due to unprece- dented rains.