The Election Commission has announced the rescheduling of assembly bypolls in 14 constituencies across three states—Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Kerala—from November 13 to November 20. The decision was made considering the upcoming festivals, which could impact voter turnout.
The counting of votes for these bypolls remains scheduled as previously, according to a statement from the Election Commission.
The Commission noted that it received requests from multiple political parties and social organizations, including key national and state parties, urging a change in the poll date. They expressed concerns that social, cultural, and religious events coinciding with the original date might hinder voters' ability to participate fully.
In Punjab, voting will now be held on November 20 in Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal (SC), Gidderbaha, and Barnala. The change was prompted by representations pointing out that the 555th Prakash Parv of Sri Guru Nanak Dev falls on November 15, with related observances, including an 'akhand path,' beginning November 13.
In Uttar Pradesh, bypolls in nine seats—Meerapur, Kundar, Ghaziabad, Khair (SC), Karhal, Sishamau, Phulpur, Katehari, and Majhawan—have also been rescheduled. Parties highlighted that many voters travel days in advance for Kartik Purnima, which will be celebrated on November 15, potentially affecting voter participation.
Similarly, in Kerala, the bypoll for the Palakkad assembly seat was rescheduled to avoid overlap with the Kalpathi Ratholsavam, which runs from November 13 to 15. However, elections in the Chelakkara assembly and Wayanad Lok Sabha seats will proceed on November 13 as initially planned.
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