Haryana Assembly Election Date Changed to October 5

Reasons Behind the Date Change

The Election Commission announced the change in voting date for Haryana's 90 assembly seats on Saturday evening. The decision came after the All India Bishnoi Mahasabha requested a date change, citing a significant cultural event. Many families from Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana traditionally participate in an annual festival in Bikaner district, Rajasthan, during the new moon of the 'Asoj' month to commemorate Guru Jambheshwar. This year, the festival falls on October 2. The Bishnoi community, which has a significant presence in 11 assembly constituencies, argued that thousands of families from Sirsa, Fatehabad, and Hisar would be traveling to Rajasthan on the original voting day, potentially affecting voter turnout.

Political Reactions and Accusations

The date change has sparked a heated political debate in Haryana:

1. BJP's Response: Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini welcomed the decision, thanking the Election Commission for understanding people's sentiments. He stated that the change would lead to higher voter turnout, benefiting both the state and the country.

2. Opposition's Criticism:

• Congress President Chaudhary Udaybhan accused the BJP of trying to flee from the election and alleged that the Election Commission was acting on BJP's instructions.
• Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda claimed that the BJP had already accepted defeat. 
• JJP leader Dushyant Chautala suggested that the BJP was using such tactics to avoid defeat. 

3. BJP's Counter:

BJP spokesperson RP Singh defended the decision, stating that it was made considering the sentiments of a large community. He emphasized that election dates have been postponed in the past as well.

Precedents and Impact

The article notes that election dates have been changed in other states recently, including Rajasthan, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, due to various cultural and religious reasons. 

The Bishnoi community's influence spans approximately 11 assembly constituencies, with around 150,000 votes. This change could potentially impact the electoral outcomes in these areas.

As the political debate continues, all parties are adjusting their campaign strategies for the new election date. The results, originally scheduled for October 4, will now be announced on October 8.