In a notable decision, the Election Commission (EC) has revised the date for the Haryana assembly election from October 1 to October 5. This adjustment is made to honor the voting rights and respect the traditions of the Bishnoi community, whose Asoj Amavasya festival falls during this period. The counting day for the Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) elections has also been moved to October 8, from the originally scheduled October 4.
Respecting Tradition and Community Sentiments
The EC’s decision comes in response to representations from the All India Bishnoi Mahasabha, based in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The Bishnoi community, known for their longstanding tradition of participating in the Asoj Amavasya festival in remembrance of Guru Jambeshwar, requested the change. This year, the festival falls on October 2, and many Bishnoi families from Sirsa, Fatehabad, and Hisar travel to their village Mukam in Rajasthan to celebrate. The EC recognized that holding the election on October 1 would interfere with their ability to vote, as they would be traveling during that time.
Historical Precedents
The EC has a history of adjusting election dates to accommodate the sentiments and traditions of various communities. For example, during the Punjab assembly elections in 2022, the election was postponed by a week to allow devotees to travel to Varanasi for Guru Ravidas Jayanti. Similarly, in the 2022 Manipur assembly elections, polling dates were adjusted to respect Christian Sunday prayers. In the 2023 Rajasthan assembly election, polling was rescheduled to avoid conflict with Devuthani Ekadashi, a significant day for mass weddings in the region.
In the 2012 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, the EC changed the polling date due to Barawafat. This year’s revised polling schedule also ensures that it aligns with the holiday period, allowing voters to take a one-day leave on September 30.
Conclusion
The revised polling and counting dates reflect the EC’s commitment to respecting cultural and community traditions while ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. By accommodating these requests, the EC aims to uphold democratic values and ensure that all eligible voters have the opportunity to participate in the elections. Voters in Haryana and J&K are encouraged to stay informed about the new dates and prepare accordingly for their participation in the democratic process.
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