- By Mayukh Debnath
- Wed, 19 Jun 2024 06:31 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Himachal Assembly Bypolls 2024: In a deviation from the norm, the middle finger, instead of the forefinger, of the left hand will be inked to mark successful voters in the three Assembly constituencies in Himachal Pradesh that will go for by-polls on July 10, as per a directive by the state's Chief Electoral Commissioner (CEO). The decision has been taken keeping in mind the fact that the ink stain on forefingers from the recently held Lok Sabha election has still not faded away.
Himachal Bypolls 2024: Why Middle Fingers Will Be Inked?
Polling in the four Lok Sabha constituencies across Himachal Pradesh was held in the last of the seven phases of voting, on June 1. In a notification, Himachal Pradesh CEO Maneesh Garg directed the district election commissioners of Hamirpur, Kangra and Solan to ink the middle finger of the left hand in the upcoming Assembly by-polls in the Dehra, Hamirpur and Nalagarh constituencies, officials cited by news agency PTI said on Wednesday.
The letter noted that in case polling has been conducted not more than two months prior to the date of a current election then the electoral ink is to be applied on the middle finger. An official spokesperson said that all concerned parties, including those conducting the elections, have received instructions in this regard.
Assembly Bypolls 2024: Schedule
On June 10, the Election Commission announced that by-elections on 13 vacant assembly seats seats across seven state Assemblies will be held on July 10 and the counting of the votes take place on July 13. The by-elections were announced for one seat each in Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh, two seats in Uttarakhand, three seats in Himachal Pradesh, and four in West Bengal. The last date to file nominations is June 21 and candidates can withdraw their candidature till June 26.
(With inputs from agencies)