New Delhi, August 31 (UNI) The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday revised the polling date for the Haryana Assembly election from October 1 to October 5.
The poll body also rescheduled the counting of votes for both Haryana and J&K assembly elections and it will now be held on October 8 instead of October 4.
The Election Commission took this decision after receiving a representation from the National President of All India Bishnoi Mahasabha, Bikaner, Rajasthan for rescheduling the polling date for the Haryana assembly election.
“The decision has been taken to honour both the voting rights and the traditions of the Bishnoi community, which had upheld a centuries-old practice of participating in the Asoj Amavasya festival celebration in remembrance of their Guru Jambheshwar” ECI said in a statement.
“Representations have been 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” the statement said.
“It may deny voting rights to a large number of people and may lead to reducing voters’ participation in the election to the legislative assembly of Haryana,” it added.
Meanwhile, there will be no change in the polling dates of the three-phased Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir.
The voters in Jammu and Kashmir will cast their votes on September 18, September 25, and October 1.
