Chandigarh, 04 November 2024: Given the festive season, the Election Commission announced on Monday that it has postponed the assembly bypolls in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala from November 13 to November 20 to accommodate the festival season.
In total, nine seats in Uttar Pradesh, four in Punjab, and one in Kerala will be contested in the upcoming elections.
The affected assembly segments in Punjab include Gidderbaha, Barnala, Dera Baba Nanak, and Chabbewal.
Political parties, including Congress, BJP, BSP, and RLD, had requested the rescheduling, citing concerns that the original dates could negatively affect voter participation.
Congress said that a significant number of voters in the Palakkad assembly constituency in Kerala would be celebrating the Kalpathi Rastholsavam festival from November 13 to 15, which could disrupt their ability to vote.
In Punjab, Congress noted that the Parkash Purb of Guru Nanak falls on November 15, with an ‘akhand path’ event commencing on November 13, further emphasizing the importance of the festival to local voters.
Similarly, in Uttar Pradesh, the BJP, BSP, and RLD pointed out that many people travel for several days ahead of Kartik Purnima, celebrated on November 15, which could lead to a decrease in voter turnout if the polls were held as originally scheduled.
The decision to reschedule the elections reflects the Election Commission’s commitment to facilitating higher participation in the democratic process.
