On August 31, 2024, the Election Commission of India issued an important update regarding the General Election to the Legislative Assemblies of Jammu & Kashmir and Haryana. This announcement addresses a significant change in the election schedule due to community-based concerns in Haryana.
Original Election Schedule
As per the initial announcement made on August 16, 2024, the election schedule was as follows:
- Date of Poll for Jammu & Kashmir (Phase-3) and Haryana: October 1, 2024 (Tuesday)
- Date of Counting: October 4, 2024 (Friday)
- Date of Completion of Election Process: October 6, 2024 (Sunday)
Reason for Change
The Election Commission received several representations from various political entities, including national and state political parties, as well as the All India Bishnoi Mahasabha. These representations highlighted a significant concern:
- Asoj Amavasya Festival: The Bishnoi community in Haryana traditionally celebrates the Asoj Amavasya festival, which is scheduled around the time of the election. This mass movement of people from Haryana to Rajasthan for the festival was anticipated to affect voter turnout in the Haryana assembly elections. There was a concern that this could lead to reduced participation in the electoral process.
Revised Election Schedule
In response to these concerns, the Election Commission has decided to amend the election schedule specifically for Haryana:
- New Date of Poll for Haryana: October 5, 2024 (Saturday)
The schedule for Jammu & Kashmir remains unchanged:
- Date of Poll for Jammu & Kashmir (Phase-3): October 1, 2024 (Tuesday)
- Date of Counting: October 4, 2024 (Friday)
- Date of Completion of Election Process: October 6, 2024 (Sunday)
Implications of the Change
- Enhanced Voter Participation: By shifting the polling date for Haryana to October 5, the Election Commission aims to accommodate the festival schedule and ensure higher voter turnout.
- No Change for Jammu & Kashmir: The election process for Jammu & Kashmir will proceed as initially scheduled, without any alterations.
Conclusion
The Election Commission’s decision to reschedule the poll date for Haryana underscores its commitment to facilitating broad voter participation and addressing community concerns. This adjustment aims to ensure that all eligible voters, including those who may otherwise be unable to vote due to festival-related travel, have the opportunity to participate in the legislative assembly elections.
