The Election Commission announced on Saturday that the polling date for Haryana has been shifted from October 1 to October 5, and the counting of votes for both the J&K and Haryana assembly elections has been rescheduled from October 4 to October 8.
The adjustment was made to respect the voting rights and traditions of the Bishnoi community, who observe a long-standing custom of participating in the Asoj Amavasya festival in honor of their Guru Jambheshwar, the EC explained.
“Representations were received from National Political Parties, State Political Party and All India Bishnoi Mahasabha regarding mass movement of people of Bishnoi community of Haryana to Rajasthan to participate in centuries old Asoj Amavasya festival celebration,” stated the poll panel.
The Commission further noted that this movement could potentially “deny voting rights to a large number of people and may lead to reduced voter participation in the general election to the legislative assembly of Haryana.” In response to these concerns, the Commission decided to change the polling date in Haryana to October 5.
The voting schedule for Jammu and Kashmir remains unchanged, with elections set to take place in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1.
This story is still developing.