The Election Commission has postponed the bypolls in Kerala, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh to November 20 from November 13, affecting 14 Assembly constituencies across the three states.
The Election Commission announced that several political parties, including the BJP, Congress, BSP, and RLD, requested a change in the polling date for certain Assembly constituencies scheduled for November 13, 2024.
These parties expressed concerns about significant social, cultural, and religious engagements taking place on that day, which could inconvenience many citizens. They highlighted potential logistical challenges and the risk of reduced voter participation as reasons for the request.
According to the Congress, a significant portion of the voters in the 56-Palakkad Assembly Constituency in Kerala will be participating in the "Kalpathi Rastholsavam" festival, which runs from November 13 to 15, 2024.
The BJP, BSP, and RLD in Uttar Pradesh highlighted that residents often travel three to four days in advance to celebrate Kartik Purnima.
Additionally, at the request of Congress, it was noted that in Punjab, the 555th Prakash Parv of Sri Guru Nanak Dev will be celebrated on November 15, with an Akhand Path commencing on November 13.
“The Commission, having considered these factors and representations, has decided to change the date of poll from November 13 (Wednesday) to November 20 (Wednesday) in 14 Assembly constituencies,” the Election Commission said.
The 14 constituencies affected are Palakkad in Kerala, Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal (SC), Gidderbaha, and Barnala in Punjab, and Khair (SC), Meerapur, Kundarki, Ghaziabad, Karhal, Sishamau, Phulpur, Katehari and Majhawan in Uttar Pradesh.
The counting dates of the constituencies would remain unchanged.
