The Election Commission has rescheduled the by-elections in Kerala, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh to Nov 20
New Delhi, India – November 3, 2024: Following requests from multiple prominent political parties, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has rescheduled the by-elections in Kerala, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh from November 13 to November 20, 2024. The rescheduled bypolls will impact 14 Assembly constituencies across the three states, following concerns that significant cultural and religious events could hinder voter turnout on the originally scheduled date.
The political parties that requested the postponement include the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD). They expressed apprehensions that the original polling date might clash with social and religious observances, making it difficult for citizens to participate fully in the election process. Key events cited in their requests included the “Kalpathi Ratholsavam” festival in Kerala, Kartik Purnima celebrations in Uttar Pradesh, and the 555th Prakash Parv of Sri Guru Nanak Dev in Punjab.
Parties Cite Cultural and Religious Events as Key Reasons for Postponement
The bypolls, initially set for November 13, coincided with several significant regional and religious events, leading political parties to raise concerns about logistical challenges and voter turnout.
- Kalpathi Ratholsavam Festival in Kerala: Congress highlighted the importance of the Kalpathi Ratholsavam festival, a major cultural and religious event in Kerala’s 56-Palakkad Assembly Constituency. This traditional festival, scheduled from November 13 to 15, attracts large numbers of devotees and participants. Congress representatives noted that a substantial number of voters in Palakkad would be involved in the festival, potentially impacting their ability to reach polling stations on November 13.
- Kartik Purnima in Uttar Pradesh: Kartik Purnima, an important festival celebrated across northern India, was cited as a concern by the BJP, BSP, and RLD in Uttar Pradesh. This festival, which includes rituals and observances by the banks of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, sees residents traveling several days in advance to celebrate. Given this, the parties argued that the festival could significantly reduce voter turnout in Uttar Pradesh, where the bypolls were originally scheduled.
- Prakash Parv of Guru Nanak Dev in Punjab: Congress also pointed out that in Punjab, the 555th Prakash Parv (birth anniversary) of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, would be celebrated on November 15. The observances include an Akhand Path, which begins on November 13, with devotees expected to engage in prayers and community gatherings. This, Congress argued, would affect voter participation in constituencies where the Sikh community forms a substantial part of the electorate.
Affected Assembly Constituencies
The bypolls will now take place in 14 Assembly constituencies across Kerala, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, as follows:
- Kerala: Palakkad
- Punjab: the constituencies of Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal (SC), Gidderbaha, and Barnala are currently in focus
- Uttar Pradesh: Khair (SC), Meerapur, Kundarki, Ghaziabad, Karhal, Sishamau, Phulpur, Katehari, and Majhawan
While the polling date has been shifted to November 20, the Election Commission confirmed that the date for counting votes remains unchanged, ensuring that the election results will be available as per the initial timeline.
Election Commission’s Decision
After considering the representations made by the political parties, the Election Commission stated that it understood the impact of these cultural and religious events on the voters. After considering various factors and representations, the Commission has resolved to reschedule the polling date from November 13 (Wednesday) to November 20 (Wednesday) across 14 Assembly constituencies, according to an official statement by the Election Commission.
The Commission emphasized its commitment to maximizing voter turnout and ensuring that logistical challenges do not hinder the democratic process. In light of the circumstances presented by the parties, the Election Commission found merit in adjusting the poll date to facilitate broader participation.
Election analysts have highlighted that the Election Commission’s decision could help improve voter turnout in these culturally significant constituencies. In states like Kerala, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, where religious festivals often see substantial local engagement, it is common for families and communities to be occupied with observances, limiting their availability to participate in civic activities.
By accommodating these concerns, the Election Commission has aimed to minimize potential conflicts between cultural obligations and civic duties. The postponement ensures that voters can fully participate in both their cultural practices and the electoral process without one infringing upon the other.
The response from political parties to the Election Commission’s decision has been positive, with most parties expressing satisfaction with the adjustment. Congress spokespersons in Kerala welcomed the change, noting that it demonstrated sensitivity to regional cultural practices and underscored the Election Commission’s responsiveness to voter needs.
In Uttar Pradesh, the BJP and BSP echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging that the decision would enable residents celebrating Kartik Purnima to participate in the election without any disruptions. The RLD, which has a strong presence in western Uttar Pradesh, commended the Commission for recognizing the significance of Kartik Purnima and supporting voter participation.
In Punjab, Congress leaders expressed relief that the Prakash Parv would not coincide with the polling day, enabling members of the Sikh community to participate actively in the bypolls without conflicting with their religious commitments.
The Election Commission’s decision highlights the importance of accommodating the diverse cultural and religious landscape in India’s electoral process. With many states observing unique regional festivals and traditions, aligning election schedules with the social calendar is essential to maximize voter participation.
Political analysts note that respecting cultural practices can also foster goodwill between voters and the electoral body, promoting a more inclusive democracy. The adjustment serves as a reminder that India’s elections not only reflect the nation’s political landscape but also its social and cultural diversity.
With the bypolls now set for November 20, political parties will likely intensify their campaigns across the affected constituencies in Kerala, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. The postponement grants them additional time to connect with voters, address local issues, and rally support.
The rescheduled date also gives the Election Commission and state administrative bodies more time to finalize logistical arrangements, ensuring that all necessary resources are in place for smooth voting on November 20. Voter education campaigns are expected to continue, reminding residents of the new polling date and encouraging them to participate.
The Election Commission’s decision to reschedule bypolls across 14 Assembly constituencies in response to cultural and religious events underscores the institution’s commitment to democratic inclusivity. By aligning the poll date with the social calendar, the Commission has ensured that citizens can fulfill both their cultural and civic responsibilities.
As the revised polling date of November 20 approaches, the focus remains on ensuring fair, transparent, and accessible elections for all eligible voters in the affected constituencies. The decision not only reflects the Election Commission’s adaptive approach but also highlights the role of elections in embracing India’s rich cultural diversity, paving the way for a more engaged and inclusive electoral process.
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