New Delhi, Oct 15 : The Bharatiya Janata Party today welcomed the decision of the Election Commission (EC) of holding a two-phase Assembly polls in Himachal Pradesh.

"The decision taken by the EC meets all the objections raised by different quarters earlier on this point," said a party release.

The party has also urged the EC to "strictly adhere to the election schedule as announced" on October 10.

Coming down heavily on the Congress party for raising hue and cry over the election dates, the party said, "This is being done, because, perhaps they have realised that they are going to lose the election and therefore why not to delay the doom's day as much as they can."

The party has also requested the EC to ensure that the model code of conduct is enforced in the state properly.

Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner N Goplaswami will be visiting Shimla tomorrow to review poll preparedness in the state.

The voting for the 68-member State Assembly polls will take place on November 14 and December 19.

The Electoral process for the 68-member State Assembly would begin from October 20, and counting will take place on December 28, he added.

The term of the current State Assembly is till March 9, 2008. (ANI)