Election Commission Reschedules Bypolls in U.P., Punjab, and Kerala Amid Festive Season

In response to requests from major political parties, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially rescheduled bypolls in selected constituencies across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Kerala. Initially scheduled for November 13, these bypolls will now take place on November 20 to accommodate several regional festivals that fall around the original polling date. This decision was made to encourage a higher voter turnout and ensure accessibility to polling facilities without the disruptions of festival activities. The change affects nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, four in Punjab, and one in Kerala, while the date for counting votes remains November 23.

Background of the Rescheduling Decision

Political parties, including the Congress, BJP, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), submitted appeals to the ECI, emphasizing that the original polling date coincided with major religious and cultural festivals. These parties expressed concern that the overlap could adversely impact voter turnout, as many people in these constituencies might be engaged in festivities or traveling during this period. The ECI’s decision aims to accommodate these concerns while ensuring that the electoral process remains efficient and inclusive.

Specific Festivals Affecting the Original Poll Date

1. Uttar Pradesh: Several regional festivals, especially Kartik Purnima on November 15, are widely celebrated across the state. People often begin traveling days in advance, which could impact accessibility to polling booths.

2. Punjab: The 555th Prakash Parv of Sri Guru Nanak Dev is a significant religious occasion for Sikh communities. This festival includes an ‘Akhand Path,’ a 48-hour uninterrupted recital of the Guru Granth Sahib, beginning on November 13 and ending on the day of Prakash Parv on November 15.

3. Kerala: In Kerala’s Palakkad constituency, a large portion of the electorate will participate in the annual Kalpathi Ratholsavam festival, celebrated from November 13 to 15. Congress representatives highlighted that this could prevent significant numbers from casting their votes on the original date.

Key Constituencies Affected by the Change

The affected constituencies are spread across the states of Kerala, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, covering a diverse array of electoral demographics.

Kerala

In Kerala, the Palakkad constituency is the primary seat affected by this rescheduling. Known for its vibrant cultural heritage, the area will observe Kalpathi Ratholsavam during the original polling window, prompting the need for a revised date.

Punjab

Four constituencies in Punjab — Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal, Gidderbaha, and Barnala — will also hold bypolls on November 20 instead of November 13. These regions have a considerable number of Sikh voters who participate actively in the Prakash Parv celebrations, a major factor behind the decision.

Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh, which has the highest number of affected seats in this bypoll phase, will see elections in nine constituencies, including Meerapur, Kundarki, Ghaziabad, Khair, Karhal, Sishamau, Phulpur, Katehari, and Majhawan. Kartik Purnima festivities draw substantial crowds, with many people traveling for days to various pilgrimage spots, making a rescheduling essential for this state.

Election Commission’s Response and Justification

The Election Commission stated that it took into account the significant cultural and social activities taking place on November 13 across these states, acknowledging that logistical challenges and decreased voter turnout could occur if the bypolls were held as initially scheduled. The ECI has a history of rescheduling polls when necessary to align with public needs, such as during the 2022 Punjab State Elections for Guru Ravidas Jayanti and the 2023 Rajasthan Elections for Devuthan Ekadashi.

In a statement released by the ECI, the poll panel explained, “Representations have been received in the Commission from various recognized national and state political parties... for change of date for poll in some Assembly constituencies having by-elections on 13th November, 2024, considering large-scale social, cultural, and religious engagements.” The Commission emphasized its goal to uphold electoral participation by minimizing voter inconvenience.

Implications for Voter Turnout and Election Logistics

Shifting the poll date to November 20 is expected to improve voter turnout by ensuring that voters are not engaged in festive activities on election day. The updated schedule will also ease logistical demands on polling staff and facilities, as both voters and poll organizers can now avoid the potential disruptions posed by festival events.

The bypolls are part of a larger electoral phase that includes assembly polls in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, with the counting of votes set for November 23. Given the proximity of these elections, the ECI is coordinating the bypoll logistics to streamline vote counting and ensure a smooth election process.

Past Instances of Election Rescheduling

This decision aligns with the ECI’s past actions, where bypolls and general elections have been rescheduled to account for local cultural and religious practices. Notable instances include:

• 2022 Punjab State Elections: Rescheduled to accommodate Guru Ravidas Jayanti.
• 2022 Manipur Assembly Elections: Polling phases adjusted for religious observances.
• 2012 Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections: Date changes made for the Barawafat festival.
• 2023 Rajasthan Elections: Modified poll date to accommodate Devuthan Ekadashi.

These precedents highlight the ECI’s commitment to adapting electoral procedures in line with citizens' social and cultural needs.