The Election Commission on Saturday revised the polling day for Haryana from October 1 to October 5, and accordingly counting day for J&K and Haryana assembly elections from October 4 to October 8.
The decision has been taken to honour both the voting rights and the traditions of the Bishnoi community, which has upheld a centuries-old practice of participating in the Asoj Amavasya festival celebration in remembrance of their Guru Jambheshwar, said the EC
“Representations were received from National Political Parties, State Political Party and All India Bishnoi Mahasabha regarding mass movement of people of Bishnoi community of Haryana to Rajasthan to participate in centuries old Asoj Amavasya festival celebration.It may deny voting rights to large number of people and may lead to reduce voters’ participation in general election to legislative assembly of Haryana. The Commission, having considered these representations, has decided to change the date of poll only for Haryana from October 1 to October 5,” the poll panel said in a statement.
The decision has been taken to honour both the voting rights and the traditions of the Bishnoi community, which has upheld a centuries-old practice of participating in the Asoj Amavasya festival celebration in remembrance of their Guru Jambheshwar, said the EC
“Representations were received from National Political Parties, State Political Party and All India Bishnoi Mahasabha regarding mass movement of people of Bishnoi community of Haryana to Rajasthan to participate in centuries old Asoj Amavasya festival celebration.It may deny voting rights to large number of people and may lead to reduce voters’ participation in general election to legislative assembly of Haryana. The Commission, having considered these representations, has decided to change the date of poll only for Haryana from October 1 to October 5,” the poll panel said in a statement.
No changes have been made to polling dates in Jammu and Kashmir, where voting will be held in three phases on September 18, September 25 and October 1.
This is a developing story