• Source:JND

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday announced the revised polling schedule for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, moving the date from October 1, 2024, to October 5, 2024. The counting of votes will now take place on October 8, 2024, instead of the previously planned October 4, 2024.

Why Haryana Assembly Polls Rescheduled To October 5

This change was made to respect the Bishnoi community's observance of the Asoj Amavasya festival, which holds deep religious significance. Assembly elections have been rescheduled from October 4 to October 8, 2024, ensuring that the community can fully participate in their cultural and religious practices without affecting their voting rights.

ECI Issues Statement On Rescheduling Of Haryana Election Dates

In a statement, the ECI reiterated its dedication to honouring cultural and religious practices while maintaining the integrity of the democratic process.

“The Commission had received representation from National President, All India Bishnoi Mahasabha, Bikaner (Rajasthan) for rescheduling the date of polling i.e. 01.10.2024 for Haryana Assembly Election as for generations numerous families of Punjab, Rajasthan and Haryana have observed a long-standing tradition of visiting their native village Mukam, in Rajasthan during the Amavas in the month of “Asoj” for their annual festival in Bikaner district, in the memory of their Guru Jambheshwar,” said ECI. 

“This year, the festival will take place on October 2 and thousands of Bishnoi families residing in Sirsa, Fatehabad and Hisar would be travelling to Rajasthan on poll day, denying them their voting rights,” the ECI added.

ECI further justified its decision to reschedule the Haryana Assembly election dates by highlighting similar actions in the past. It noted that during the 2022 Punjab Assembly Elections, the polling was postponed by a week to allow devotees to travel for Guru Ravidas Jayanti. Similarly, in Manipur, the ECI adjusted polling dates to respect the Christian community's Sunday prayers.

Haryana BJP Chief Earlier Urged EC To Change Assembly Poll Date

The Haryana BJP has requested the Election Commission to postpone the Assembly polls scheduled for October 1, citing holidays before and after that date. This request prompted a response from the Congress, with former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda suggesting that the BJP's plea indicates an acceptance of defeat.

In a letter sent to the Election Commission of India, BJP President Mohan Lal Baroli suggested that the election should be scheduled for a date after October 1 due to the holidays surrounding that date. He noted that September 28 (Saturday) and September 29 (Sunday) are weekends, resulting in a two-day holiday.

Congress And AAP React

Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia responded to the poll date announcement, stating, "With the Lok Sabha elections concluded, the BJP's countdown has started. They might alter the polling dates through the ECI, but they will still face elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Delhi."

Meanwhile, BJP MP Biplab Kumar Deb welcomed the ECI's decision, saying, "It is the duty of the Election Commission. At that time the main festival of the Bishnoi community takes place, so the Election Commission wants maximum voting in the elections and we welcome it... We have worked honestly in the state and the people will decide who will win..."

Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda told ANI, “The Election Commission has the authority to extend the date, and they have done so. The BJP has already conceded defeat in Haryana. I had stated earlier, when the Haryana government sent a letter to the Election Commission, that this move indicated the BJP's acceptance of defeat.”