ECI revises polling, vote counting dates for Haryana Assembly elections
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday postponed the Haryana Assembly elections from October 1 to October 5. The decision was made following requests from national and state political parties, as well as the All India Bishnoi Mahasabha. These groups expressed concerns that the original date would coincide with a mass movement of people from the Bishnoi community in Haryana to Rajasthan for a centuries-old Asoj Amavasya festival celebration, potentially reducing voter turnout.
Election Commission responds to concerns over voter turnout
The ECI stated, "It may deny voting rights to a large number of people and may lead to reduced voters' participation in the general election to the legislative assembly of Haryana." The commission added that it had also adjusted election dates in the past to respect the sentiments of various communities. For example, during the Punjab Assembly Elections in 2022, the commission pushed the polls back a week to enable devotees traveling to Varanasi for Guru Ravidas Jayanti.
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BJP proposed a delay
Last week, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had also proposed a delay in the October 1 polls due to extended holidays around the election date. Varinder Garg, a member of the BJP's state election management committee, explained that the Assembly election date is sandwiched between a weekend and additional holidays. Observers believe the BJP's fears over turnout stem from the fact that urban voters, where the party has a strong base, are more inclined to travel during the extended weekend.
Haryana Assembly elections: Key dates and contenders
The vote counting day for Haryana as well as Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections has now been rescheduled from October 4 to October 8, 2024. The major political parties in the fray include BJP, Congress, Jannayak Janta Party-Aazad Samaj Partyalliance, and BSP-INLD alliance. After the 2019 elections, the BJP formed a coalition government with the JJP but broke ties earlier this year leading to Nayab Singh Saini's appointment as chief minister.
Home voting introduced for senior citizens and PwDs
For the first time in Haryana's State Assembly Elections, senior citizens over 85 years and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) with a 40% benchmark disability will have the option to vote from home. This measure is designed to increase accessibility and participation in the electoral process. The application form 12D for this facility is distributed and collected by Booth Level Officer (BLO) within five days of notification from electors who opt for this facility.
