Election Commission Reschedules By-Elections
New Dates for Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Punjab
The Election Commission has decided to postpone the by-elections in Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Punjab from November 13 to November 20. This change was made after requests from major political parties like the Indian National Congress (INC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) to avoid low voter turnout due to upcoming festivals.
Reasons for Date Change
In Kerala, the Congress highlighted that many voters in the 56-Palakkad Assembly Constituency would be participating in the “Kalpathi Rastholsavam” festival from November 13 to 15. In Uttar Pradesh, BJP, BSP, and RLD noted that people travel days in advance to celebrate Kartik Purnima. In Punjab, the Congress pointed out the 555th Prakash Parv of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, with celebrations starting on November 13.
Past Rescheduling Instances
The Election Commission has a history of rescheduling elections to accommodate voters. For instance, in the Punjab State Elections 2022, polling was shifted due to Shri Guru Ravidas Ji Jayanti. Similar changes occurred in Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan, and Haryana for various cultural and religious reasons.
Polling Details
On November 20, one constituency in Kerala, four in Punjab, and nine in Uttar Pradesh will hold elections. The counting and completion dates remain November 23 and 25, respectively.
Doubts Revealed
Election Commission -: The Election Commission is a group in India that makes sure elections are fair and happen smoothly. They decide when and how people can vote.
By-Elections -: By-elections are special elections held to fill seats that become empty in between regular elections. This can happen if someone resigns or passes away.
Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Punjab -: These are states in India. Each state has its own government and holds elections to choose leaders.
INC, BJP, BSP, RLD -: These are names of political parties in India. INC is the Indian National Congress, BJP is the Bharatiya Janata Party, BSP is the Bahujan Samaj Party, and RLD is the Rashtriya Lok Dal.
Kalpathi Rastholsavam -: This is a famous festival in Kerala, India. People celebrate with music, dance, and traditional rituals.
Kartik Purnima -: Kartik Purnima is a special day in India, celebrated on the full moon of the Kartik month. People often take holy baths and visit temples.
Prakash Parv of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji -: This is a religious festival celebrated by Sikhs. It marks the birthday of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.
