New Delhi:  The dates for the Assembly elections in Karnataka where the ruling Congress is facing a tough challenge from the BJP will be announced around April 15, said Chief Election Commissioner O.P. Rawat.

The polls may be held around mid-May. “School board examinations are likely to be over by March-end, and other examinations around April 14. In the interests of students, we will announce the poll date around April 15 as we have received many complaints and representations from students that campaigning for the elections would disturb their studies,” Rawat said in an interview to a private news channel.

He said that the three Election Commissioners are likely to visit Karnataka in the first week of April to assess the situation and check its poll-preparedness. The tenure of the Karnataka Assembly expires on May 28 and before that, the new House has to be constituted, Rawat said.