By-polls in Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Punjab rescheduled due to clash with religious festivals — check new dates here

In response to requests from multiple political parties, the Election Commission (EC) has decided to postpone upcoming by-elections in Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Punjab. Originally scheduled for November 13, the polls will now take place on November 20. This rescheduling aims to accommodate local festivities and boost voter turnout.

The EC’s decision follows appeals from parties like the Congress (INC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), which expressed concerns over potential low turnout due to regional celebrations during the original polling date.

The Congress highlighted that in Kerala's 56-Palakkad Assembly Constituency, many residents will participate in the Kalpathi Ratholsavam festival, a major event set to run from November 13 to 15. Similarly, representatives from the BJP, BSP, and RLD raised concerns in Uttar Pradesh, where people begin travelling several days in advance for Kartik Purnima, an important festival observed in the state.

In Punjab, the Congress pointed out that celebrations for the 555th Prakash Parv of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji are scheduled for November 15, with religious observances starting on November 13. These festivals are expected to draw significant portions of the electorate, particularly in rural areas.

The EC has previously demonstrated flexibility to prioritise voter participation by adjusting poll dates to avoid clashes with religious or cultural events. In recent years, polling dates were modified for various elections, including the Punjab State Elections 2022 during the Shri Guru Ravidas Jayanti, and the Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections 2012 for Barawafat. Similar changes were made in Manipur, Mizoram, and Rajasthan to respect community schedules and increase voter convenience.

With this adjustment, one assembly constituency in Kerala, four in Punjab, and nine in Uttar Pradesh will now hold their by-polls on November 20, while the dates for vote counting and final poll completion remain set for November 23 and 25, respectively.

(With inputs from agencies)