Shimla, Oct 3 (IANS): Welcoming the Election Commission announcement of polls to the state assembly Wednesday, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said the party is ready for the contest.
"We are prepared for the polls. It's good that it's going to be held in a single phase," Dhumal told IANS.
He said the development of the state, and discrimination against it by the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the centre would be the main poll planks.
Dhumal said there were a number of instances when the central government created hurdles in the state's development.
"We have already cleared a list of 45 candidates and the rest (23 candidates) would be announced this week," he added.
The main opposition is yet to announce its list of candidates.
Himachal Pradesh goes to the polls for 68 assembly seats Nov 4, and counting of votes will be held Dec 20.