New Delhi, Jan. 14 -- The Assembly elections in the country, scheduled to be held in April-May, are likely to be advanced by weeks.

According to the Election Commission (EC) sources, preponement of the polls is being considered by the EC to avoid any clash of dates with Board examinations and to complete the entire process by April.

The sources indicated that dates of the ensuing polls are likely to be announced by the middle of February. In all, five Assembly polls - Assam, Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are going to be held during the period of April-May this year.

The presence of Central forces in the five states during the coming polls would be the highest ever to ensure free and fair elections, the sources maintained.

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