The Election Commission has postponed by-elections in Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Punjab from November 13-November 20.
This decision follows requests from various national and state parties, including the Indian National Congress (INC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), aiming to ensure higher voter turnout during festive periods.
The Congress party highlighted that many voters in Kerala’s 56-Palakkad Assembly constituency would be occupied with the “Kalpathi Rastholsavam” festival, taking place from November 13-15.
Meanwhile, the BJP, BSP, and RLD in Uttar Pradesh noted that residents typically travel several days ahead to celebrate Kartik Purnima.
In Punjab, Congress pointed out that the 555th Prakash Parv of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji is set for November 15, with an Akhand Path commencing on November 13, further supporting the request for a schedule change.
The Election Commission has a history of rescheduling polling dates to enhance voter participation.
For example, during the Punjab State Elections in 2022, the polling day was shifted to accommodate the celebration of Shri Guru Ravidas Ji Jayanti.
Similarly, in the 2022 Manipur Assembly Elections, dates were altered to avoid conflict with a Sunday. Other instances include changes for Barawafat in Uttar Pradesh in 2012, social gatherings in Mizoram in 2013, and for Devuthan Ekadashi in Rajasthan in 2023, as well as adjustments in Haryana due to Asoj Amavasya.
Now, one constituency in Kerala, 4 in Punjab, and 9 in Uttar Pradesh will conduct their elections on November 20.
Importantly, the counting and completion dates for these elections will remain unchanged, scheduled for November 23 & 25, respectively.
