The Election Commission (EC) has rescheduled by-elections in 14 assembly constituencies across Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Punjab, moving the date from November 13 to November 20. The decision followed requests from national and state parties, including Congress, BJP, BSP, and RLD, who raised concerns about low voter turnout due to regional festivities.
The Congress highlighted the “Kalpathi Ratholsavam” festival in Kerala’s 56-Palakkad constituency, running from November 13 to 15, which would affect voter participation. In Uttar Pradesh, BJP, BSP, and RLD noted that many people travel days in advance to celebrate Kartik Purnima. In Punjab, the Congress cited the 555th Prakash Parv of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji on November 15, along with Akhand Path ceremonies beginning on November 13.
The EC underscored its commitment to facilitating voter participation, pointing to previous instances when polling dates were adjusted for similar reasons. These include the Punjab State Elections 2022, shifted for Shri Guru Ravidas Ji Jayanti, and the Manipur Assembly Elections 2022, where dates were adjusted to avoid a Sunday clash. Adjustments were also made in the Rajasthan Elections 2023 for Devuthan Ekadashi and in the Haryana elections for Asoj Amavasya.
The rescheduled bypolls will take place in one Kerala constituency, four in Punjab, and nine in Uttar Pradesh on November 20. The counting and poll completion dates remain unchanged, with results expected on November 23 and final completion by November 25.
