Why poll body didn't announce Maharashtra Assembly election dates
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday announced the dates for the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana. However, it did not announce the dates for the Maharashtra Assembly polls. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar explained that the Maharashtra elections will be announced later due to security requirements for J&K. The last time, Maharashtra and Haryana had simultaneous elections.
EC cites weather, security, and cultural factors
He further explained that the ongoing monsoon season in Maharashtra has caused delays in updating the voter list, a crucial step in the electoral process. Additionally, important festivals, such as Pitru Paksha, Diwali, and Ganesh Chaturthi, are lined up in Maharashtra, he explained. As a result, the Chief Election Officer said that polls in Maharashtra are set to take place at a later date, ensuring that all necessary preparations are completed efficiently.
'EC has privilege to schedule elections up to six months'
Kumar also pointed out that the EC has the privilege to schedule elections up to six months before the Legislative Assembly's term ends, allowing flexibility in managing the electoral calendar. "Last time, Maharashtra and Haryana assembly elections were held together. At that time, J&K was not a factor but this time there are four elections this year and fifth election immediately after this." "Depending on the requirement of forces, we have decided to conduct 2 elections together," he said.
J&K, Haryana elections
Elections in J&K will be held in three phases: the first phase will be on September 18, the second phase on 25, and the third phase on October 1. Meanwhile, Haryana will go to the polls on October 1. The counting of votes for both J&K and Haryana will be on October 4.
