Haryana Polls 2024: Election Commission changes election date to October 5

New Delhi: Election Commission has officially postponed the polling date for the Haryana assembly elections, moving it from October 1 to October 5. The decision, announced on Saturday, comes in response to several requests from political parties and cultural organizations. Among the concerns raised were the mass movement of the Bishnoi community to Rajasthan for the Asoj Amavasya festival, potentially affecting voter turnout.

In contrast, the third phase of the Jammu and Kashmir elections will proceed as scheduled on October 1, with no changes to the timeline. Both Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana's election results will be declared on October 8, as per the Election Commission.

BJP pushed for postponement

On August 24, Haryana BJP leader Varinder Garg, a member of the state election management committee, advocated for the election date to be deferred. He argued that the original October 1 polling date was sandwiched between a weekend and public holidays, which could result in lower voter turnout as many might take vacations during the extended break.

Opposition parties criticising decision

The opposition parties, including the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), have been critical of the move. Former Haryana Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda accused the BJP of trying to manipulate the election process, claiming that the postponement reflects the ruling party’s fear of defeat. “Polls should be held according to the date fixed by the EC... The people of Haryana don’t want to see the BJP in power for another day,” Hooda remarked, echoing the sentiments of many within his party.

Similarly, AAP’s Haryana unit expressed skepticism, suggesting that the BJP was already looking for excuses ahead of the polls due to its apprehension about losing its grip on power.

Congress wishing to reclaim power, BJP looks for third term

As the BJP aims for a third consecutive term in Haryana, the Congress is determined to reclaim power. The delay in polling could be a decisive factor in the outcome, with both sides engaging in last-minute strategies to sway the electorate in their favor.

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