It is learned that the Himachal Pradesh Assembly polls are likely to be held in two phases with three tribal constituencies going to polls in the first week of November and the remaining 65 constituencies in the third week of November.

The state government had earlier suggested to the EC that polls in tribal constituencies be held after November 15 and in the rest of the state in December. The Commission also indicated that counting of votes would take place in December-end after polling was held in Gujarat.

Congress, CPM and other parties had favoured polls in one phase between third week of October and November 15, keeping in view freak weather conditions in tribal and high mountain areas.