ECI : The Election Commission of India (ECI) has revised the polling date for the Haryana assembly elections to October 5, 2024, instead of the originally scheduled date of October 1. The decision comes in response to demands from various sections, including political parties and the All India Bishnoi Mahasabha, to avoid a conflict with the centuries-old Asoj Amavasya festival.
The ECI made this announcement on Saturday, stating that the change was necessary to ensure that a large number of voters from the Bishnoi community, who traditionally travel to Rajasthan during this period, are not deprived of their voting rights. The commission expressed concerns that the original date could have led to reduced voter participation in the Haryana elections.
Despite the change in Haryana, the dates for polling in Jammu and Kashmir remain unchanged. The Union Territory will go to polls in three phases, with the third phase scheduled for October 1. The counting of votes for both Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir will now take place on October 8.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressed his gratitude to the Election Commission for the decision, highlighting that the change would help avoid disruptions caused by consecutive holidays and potential vacation plans. Similarly, former Haryana Minister Anil Vij thanked the commission for revising the date, stating that it would facilitate greater voter turnout.
In contrast, Congress leader and former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda criticized the decision, suggesting that the change reflects the BJP’s acknowledgment of an impending electoral defeat in Haryana.
