NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Monday postponed the upcoming bypolls in Uttar Pradesh, Kerala and Punjab from November 13 to November 20. The announcement by the poll body came after national and state parties raised concerns over lower voter turnout due to various festivities coinciding with the election dates.
The Congress had said that a significant portion of the electorate in Kerala’s Palakkad will be engaged in the “Kalpathi Rastholsavam” festival to be celebrated from 13th to 15th November 2024.
According to statements from the BJP, BSP, and RLD in Uttar Pradesh, residents often begin their travels three to four days in advance to celebrate Kartik Purnima.
In Punjab, the Congress party has requested that the 555th Prakash Parv of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji be celebrated on November 15, with an Akhand Path planned to commence on November 13.
The Election Commission has previously adjusted polling dates in elections for voter convenience and encourage higher turnout.
For instance, during the 2022 Punjab State Elections, polling was rescheduled to accommodate the celebration of Shri Guru Ravidas Ji Jayanti. Similarly, the poll dates for both phases of the 2022 Manipur assembly elections were altered due to the first phase coinciding with a Sunday.
In the 2012 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, voting dates were changed due to Barawafat. The 2013 Mizoram assembly elections also saw polling and counting dates adjusted for social events and Sunday observance. Additionally, in the 2023 Rajasthan Elections, the poll date was modified for Devuthan Ekadashi, and recently in Haryana, the date was changed due to Asoj Amavasya.
As a result, one assembly constituency in Kerala, four in Punjab, and nine in Uttar Pradesh will now hold polls on November 20. The dates for counting and completion of the polls for these constituencies remain unchanged as November 23 and 25, respectively.
( With agency inputs)
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