The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made significant adjustments to the schedule for both the Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir Assembly elections. These changes primarily affect the polling and counting dates.
For the Haryana Assembly elections, the polling date has been rescheduled from October 1 to October 5, 2024. This alteration addresses concerns raised by the Bishnoi community, who observe the Asoj Amavasya festival on October 2. The festival holds substantial cultural significance for the Bishnoi community, and many of its members travel to Rajasthan to participate in the celebrations. The original polling date on October 1 would have conflicted with this important event, potentially disenfranchising a significant number of voters. The Election Commission acknowledged that the mass movement of Bishnoi voters could lead to reduced voter participation in the Haryana Assembly elections, prompting the change.
Additionally, the counting day for both the Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir Assembly elections has been moved from October 4 to October 8. This change allows for the accommodation of the cultural practices of the Bishnoi community and ensures that the counting process is conducted smoothly.
The BJP had previously requested the rescheduling of the Haryana Assembly polls, citing concerns about low voter turnout due to the proximity of the polling date to various holidays. Haryana BJP chief Mohan Lal Badoli argued that many people might be on vacation around early October, which could impact voter participation. The Election Commission’s decision reflects these considerations and aims to maximize voter turnout by avoiding conflicts with major cultural and holiday periods.
In contrast, the polling dates for the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly elections remain unchanged. The elections will proceed as planned in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1. The Election Commission has maintained the original schedule for Jammu & Kashmir, ensuring that the electoral process in the region remains consistent with the initial plan.
This revision of the election schedule demonstrates the Election Commission’s responsiveness to cultural and logistical concerns while maintaining the integrity and smooth execution of the electoral process across both states.
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