Haryana BJP Urges Election Commission to Delay Assembly Polls; Congress Criticizes Request
Image credit: Times of India
The Haryana Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has requested the Election Commission to postpone the state assembly elections, currently scheduled for October 1, 2024, citing concerns over potential low voter turnout. The BJP, seeking a third successive term, argues that an extended holiday period could reduce voter participation.
BJP’s Contention for Postponement
In a letter dated August 22, 2024, Haryana BJP Chief Mohanlal Badoli outlined the reasons for the request. He noted that the elections fall just after a long weekend, with holidays on September 28 and 29 (Saturday and Sunday) and a national holiday on October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti). According to Badoli, many residents might take advantage of this period to extend their leave, potentially leading to lower voter turnout on October 1.
Additionally, Badoli mentioned that the Bishnoi community, a significant voting bloc in Haryana, might not be able to vote on October 1 due to their annual pilgrimage to Mukam town in Rajasthan. To ensure higher voter participation, he urged the Election Commission to consider rescheduling the polls.
Congress’s Response
The Congress party quickly criticized the BJP’s request, interpreting it as an attempt to delay the elections out of fear of losing. Congress MP Deepinder Hooda accused the BJP of making “self-serving arguments” to avoid facing the voters. He argued that the BJP has no significant achievements or issues to present to the public and is therefore trying to delay the elections.
Hooda dismissed the BJP’s concerns, stating that the voters of Haryana are well-informed and will show up to vote regardless of the holidays. He expressed confidence that the public would turn out in large numbers to participate in the elections.
The Election Commission had announced on August 16 that Haryana’s assembly elections would be held on October 1, with results to be declared on October 4. The BJP is striving for a third term, while the Congress aims to regain power in the state. The current Haryana Vidhan Sabha’s term ends on November 3, 2024.
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