Haryana Election Date Changed: Bhupinder Hooda and Anil Vij React

The Election Commission of India has revised the Haryana assembly election date from October 1 to October 5, and the vote counting date from October 4 to October 8. This decision was made to respect the Bishnoi community’s tradition of celebrating the Asoj Amavasya festival on October 2.

Bhupinder Singh Hooda’s Reaction

Former Haryana Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda stated that the date change reflects the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) acknowledgment of an impending electoral loss. He said, “It is the Election Commission’s right, they have extended the date. They (BJP) have already accepted defeat in Haryana.”

Anil Vij’s Reaction

BJP leader Anil Vij expressed gratitude to the Election Commission for changing the dates. He explained that the original dates could have led to a decrease in voter turnout due to the possibility of people taking holidays. He said, “We are thankful to the Election Commission, they took action on our application and changed the dates.”

Reason for Date Change

The Election Commission received a request from the National President of All India Bishnoi Mahasabha to reschedule the polling date. The Bishnoi community, which has a long-standing tradition of visiting their native village Mukam in Rajasthan during the Asoj Amavasya festival, would have been unable to vote on the original date. The festival, in memory of their Guru Jambheshwar, will take place on October 2, and many Bishnoi families from Sirsa, Fatehabad, and Hisar will be traveling to Rajasthan.