CHANDIGARH: The decision also reflects appeals from various political groups, which highlighted a clash with public holidays. This rescheduling aims to ensure broader electoral participation and address potential disenfranchisement.
Almost two weeks after announcement of the election schedule, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has postponed the Haryana Assembly elections, initially scheduled for October 1, to October 5, with vote counting set for October 8. The decision comes following concerns raised by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) about potential voter turnout issues due to the holiday period coinciding with the original polling date.
The ECI also claimed that the decision was influenced by appeals from major political parties, including a specific plea from the All India Bishnoi Mahasabha, highlighting the clash between the October 1 polling date and the centuries-old Asoj Amavasya festival. The festival, celebrated by the Bishnoi community in Haryana, requires mass movement to Rajasthan, potentially disenfranchising a significant portion of the electorate.
In a statement, the ECI noted, “Subsequently, representations have been received from National Political Parties, State Political Party, and All India Bishnoi Mahasabha regarding the mass movement of people from the Bishnoi community of Haryana to Rajasthan to participate in centuries-old Asoj Amavasya festival celebration. This may deny voting rights to a large number of people and lead to reduced voter participation in the general election to the Legislative Assembly of Haryana.”
BJP’s Haryana president, Mohan Lal Badoli, played a pivotal role in the push for rescheduling. In his letter to the ECI, Badoli argued that the October 1 polling date fell within a six-day holiday stretch, starting from September 28-29 (weekend), followed by October 2-3 (Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti and Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti). He pointed out that voters might extend this period by taking leave on September 30, resulting in a six-day vacation that could significantly reduce voter turnout.
BJP’s concerns stem from fears that extended holidays could particularly impact urban voter turnout. Historically, urban voters have shown lower participation rates compared to rural voters. For instance, in the 2024 general elections, urban turnout in Haryana was 57.9%, down by approximately 7 percentage points from the previous election, while rural turnout was 67.9%. The BJP believes that this trend could disadvantage them, as lower urban turnout has previously impacted their performance, including a drop in Lok Sabha seats in Haryana.
While the INLD supported BJP’s request, the move has drawn sharp criticism from other political rivals. Congress, Jannayak Janata Party (JJP), and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had accused BJP of manipulating the election schedule to serve its electoral interests. They argue that the delay is an attempt to secure an electoral advantage by ensuring higher voter turnout in areas favourable to BJP.
There has been no change in the polling date for the third phase of the Jammu and Kashmir elections, which remains scheduled for October 1.
The results for both Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana will be declared on October 8.
With the polling date now set for October 5, political parties in Haryana are bracing for an intense campaign period, as the new date allows them additional time to strategise and mobilise voters.