By A Staff Reporter
New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has revised the polling and counting dates for the upcoming Assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir. Originally scheduled for October 1, 2024, the polling day in Haryana has now been moved to October 5, 2024. Consequently, the counting day for both Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir elections has also been rescheduled from October 4 to October 8, 2024.
The ECI's decision comes in response to a request to respect the cultural traditions of the Bishnoi community in Haryana. The Bishnoi community, known for their deep-rooted environmental and spiritual values, participates in the Asoj Amavasya festival, which commemorates their Guru Jambheshwar. The festival is an important cultural event for the Bishnoi community, and moving the polling date allows them to observe their traditions without compromising their right to vote.
In a statement, the ECI emphasized the importance of balancing the constitutional rights of citizens with respect for cultural practices. "The decision has been taken to honour both the voting rights and the traditions of the Bishnoi community, which has upheld a centuries-old practice of participating in the Asoj Amavasya festival celebration in remembrance of their Guru Jambheshwar," the ECI stated.
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