The Haryana assembly election has been moved to October 5 instead of October 1. This change was made to respect the Bishnoi community’s festival, which falls around the same time. The Election Commission (EC) decided to make this adjustment to honor the traditions of the Bishnoi people, who celebrate a special festival called Asoj Amavasya in memory of Guru Jambeshwar.
As a result of this change, the counting day for the elections in both Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir will also be adjusted. Instead of October 4, the counting will now take place on October 8. This update was made to accommodate the Bishnoi community’s important festival.
Haryana Assembly Polls Dates Changed
The Election Commission has announced a change in the date for the Haryana assembly elections. Instead of voting on October 1, the new date for the Haryana Assembly election is now October 5. However, the election date for the third phase of voting in Jammu and Kashmir remains as originally planned on October 1. The results for both Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir elections will be declared on October 8.
The reason for the change in Haryana’s election date is due to requests from various groups. These groups include national and state political parties, as well as the All India Bishnoi Mahasabha.
They pointed out that many members of the Bishnoi community from Haryana travel to Rajasthan to celebrate the Asoj Amavasya festival, which has been a tradition for centuries. The Election Commission was concerned that this movement could lead to fewer people voting in the Haryana elections.
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Haryana BJP Leader Requests Election Delay
On August 24, Varinder Garg, a member of Haryana BJP’s state election management committee, requested a postponement of the Haryana Assembly elections scheduled for October 1 (Tuesday). Garg argued that the election date, following a weekend and additional holidays, might lead to a lower voter turnout as many people could go on vacation during long weekends.
This request has faced criticism from opposition parties. Congress leader and former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda accused the BJP of admitting defeat prematurely. “Elections should be held on the date set by the Election Commission. The people of Haryana do not want to see the BJP in power even for a day,” Hooda stated, according to PTI.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also condemned the BJP’s request, suggesting that the ruling party is already searching for excuses due to its anticipated defeat. With the BJP aiming for a third consecutive term and Congress striving to reclaim power, the political climate in Haryana remains tense.
How the Election Commission Adjusts Polling Dates?
The Election Commission (EC) often adjusts election dates to honor community sentiments. For example:
- In the 2022 Punjab assembly elections, the EC postponed the vote by a week to allow devotees to travel to Varanasi for Guru Ravidas Jayanti.
- During the 2022 Manipur assembly elections, the EC shifted polling dates to respect Sunday prayers of the Christian community.
- In the 2023 Rajasthan assembly elections, the EC rescheduled polling to avoid conflict with Devuthani Ekadashi, a key day for mass weddings in Rajasthan.
- For the 2012 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, the EC moved the polling date to accommodate Barawafat and address concerns about a six-day holiday by adjusting the schedule.
These adjustments reflect the EC’s commitment to considering diverse community needs when setting election dates.
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Haryana Assembly Polls Dates Changed FAQs
Q.1. Why was the Haryana assembly election date changed?
Ans. The date was moved to October 5 to accommodate the Bishnoi community’s Asoj Amavasya festival, ensuring higher voter turnout and honoring community traditions.
Q.2. What will be the new counting date for the Haryana assembly elections?
Ans. The counting day for both Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir elections has been rescheduled to October 8.
Q.3. How does the Election Commission decide to adjust election dates?
Ans. The EC adjusts dates based on requests from political parties and community needs, aiming to respect significant festivals and traditions to ensure fair and inclusive elections.
Q.4. What was the reaction to the request to delay the Haryana elections?
Ans. The request faced criticism from opposition parties, with claims that it was an attempt to avoid a potential defeat and manipulate voter turnout.
Q.5. When will the third phase of Jammu and Kashmir elections be held?
Ans. The election date for the third phase in Jammu and Kashmir remains unchanged, scheduled for October 1.
