The Election Commission of India rescheduled the polling date in 14 Assembly constituencies across Kerala, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh to November 20 following “large scale social, cultural and religious engagements” of people from various communities. The by-elections were set to be held on November 13 earlier.
The Assembly Constituencies are Palakkad in Kerala; Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal, Gidderbaha, Barnala in Punjab; Meerapur, Kundarki, Ghaziabad, Khair, Karhal, Sishamau, Phulpur, Katehari and Majhawan in Uttar Pradesh.
In a press statement, the ECI said, “representations have been received in the Commission from various recognised National and State political parties (including BJP, INC, BSP, RLD) and some social organisations for change of date of poll in some Assembly Constituencies having bye elections on 13th November 2024, considering large scale social, cultural and religious engagements on that day which may cause inconvenience to large number of people, give rise to various logistic issues and may lead to reduced voters participation during the poll.”
“The Commission, having considered these factors and representations, has decided to change the date of poll from 13.11.2024(Wednesday) to 20.11.2024 (Wednesday) in the 14 Assembly Constituencies,” it added.
“The date of Counting and Completion of Poll of the above-mentioned Assembly Constituencies shall remain unchanged i.e. 23.11.2024 (Saturday) & 25.11.2024 (Monday) respectively,” it said.