Election Commission Postponed Haryana Assembly Elections | 02 Sep 2024

Why in News?

Recently, on August 31st, 2024, the Election Commission of India (ECI) revised the polling day for the Haryana Assembly elections from October 1 to October 5.

Key Points

• Date Change Decision: The Election Commission of India (ECI) revised the polling date for the Haryana Assembly elections from October 1 to October 5, 2024, and moved the counting date from October 4 to October 8 for both Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana assemblies.
• Reason for Change: The date revision was made to accommodate the Bishnoi community’s Asoj Amavasya festival, allowing them to participate in the festival and exercise their voting rights.
  • Asoj Amavasya is a significant festival observed primarily by the Bishnoi community. It involves the remembrance of their Guru Jambheshwar and is celebrated annually during the month of Asoj.
• Community Representation: The decision followed a representation from the All India Bishnoi Mahasabha, highlighting the tradition of Bishnoi families traveling to Rajasthan for their annual festival, which coincides with the original polling date i.e October 2^nd.