The dates for national election will be announced by the Election Commission this evening at 5 pm, signaling the start of a gigantic voting exercise that will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking another term in office and the opposition attempting to join forces to put up a strong fight. Elections will also be held in four states -- Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Odisha - along with the parliamentary polls. The opposition Congress had accused the Election Commission of delaying the dates to enable the government to rush through the launch of welfare schemes and projects; no announcements can be made once the model code of conduct kicks in with the election dates. Commission sources have rubbished the claims.