These states will go to polls in 2017

2017 will be an eventful year for Indian politics. Besides the crucial Presidential elections, number of states such as Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh will go to polls next year.

Presidential Election

With President Pranab Mukherjee's tenure ending on July 25, 2017, it would be interesting to see as to whom Narendra Modi's government pitches for the top post.

Punjab Assembly Election 2017

Punjab is most likely to go to polls in February 2017. Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party alliance tie-up is pitted against Captain Amarinder Singh-led Congress. Besides the two warring parties, Aam Aadmi Party has jumped into the electoral foray to try its luck.

Uttar Pradesh Polls 2017

While seven states will witness high-voltage elections in 2017, Uttar Pradesh polls will be the most bitterly fought battle between Samajwadi Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and the Congress. UP elections are a litmus test for PM Modi's post demonetisation.

Goa Polls 2017

Goa will simultaneously go to polls along with Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. The elections are very crucial for the Bharatiya Janata Party as it would be contesting the elections with CM Laxmikant Parsekar as its face and not Manohar Parrikar. Also, it would be a three cornered fight as along with BJP and Congress, AAP has also decided to contest the elections.

Uttarakhand Election 2017

The hilly state is most likely to witness elections in February 2017. It is a big challenge for Chief Minister Harish Rawat, who was appointed as CM in 2014, replacing Vijay Bahuguna, who resigned due to criticism of his handling of relief work after devastating June 2013 floods.

Gujarat Polls 2017

Gujarat Assembly elections in the state will be held towards the end of 2017. Though Gujarat is a stronghold for the BJP, but with both Narendra Modi and Amit shah camping out of their home state and Patel quota stir fuelling, the ruling party might find a bit difficult to sweep the polls.

Himachal Pradesh Elections 2017

With Congress' old guard and Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh entangled in a disproportionate assets case, the ruling party will find it extremely difficult to sail its boat through against the resurgent BJP. The hill state is expected to go to polls towards the end of 2017.