Haryana: BJP leader clarifies on request to postpone Haryana Poll
PTC News Desk: Senior BJP leader Anil Vij has asserted that the party is fully prepared to contest the Haryana Assembly elections scheduled for October 1, despite facing criticism for seeking a deferment of the polls. The BJP has argued that the current election date, which falls on a Tuesday, creates an extended holiday period that could negatively impact voter turnout.
Anil Vij, a former Home Minister of Haryana, explained that the BJP recently conducted an intensive two-day meeting to finalize its candidates. The party has submitted the names of three to four potential nominees for each of the 90 assembly seats to the Central Election Committee, demonstrating its readiness for the election.
Ambala: Haryana's former Home Minister Anil Vij says, "The declared dates make it possible for people to take extended holidays, which reduces voter turnout. Congress has reacted today, but we are not just asking for an extension. We suggest moving the dates back by a few days to… pic.twitter.com/PLckYZNO42 — IANS (@ians_india) August 25, 2024
Vij emphasised that the long holiday period surrounding the election date—spanning from September 28 to October 4—might lead to reduced voter participation as people could be inclined to take vacations. “The declared dates make it possible for people to take extended holidays, which reduces voter turnout. We are not just asking for an extension but suggesting a slight shift in the election dates to mitigate the impact of these holidays. We are ready for elections and can face them tomorrow if needed,” Vij said.
The BJP’s request is not isolated. The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), led by Abhay Chautala, has also sought to delay the polls. Such requests for date changes are not unprecedented; for instance, in 2022, the Election Commission of India postponed the Punjab assembly elections from February 14 to February 20 at the request of various political parties, due to the Sant Ravidas birth anniversary celebrations.
The Congress party, however, has criticized the BJP's request. Senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda accused the BJP of effectively conceding defeat by asking for a postponement, asserting that the electorate is eager to replace the current government. "Polls should be held on the date set by the Election Commission. The people of Haryana are ready to remove the BJP from power," Hooda stated. His son, Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda, claimed the request reveals the BJP's fear of the electoral challenge.
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The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which is contesting all seats independently, also criticized the BJP, suggesting that if the party had performed well in Haryana, it would not be seeking a postponement.
BJP members argue that the holidays surrounding the election date—September 28-29 being the weekend, followed by October 1 (poll day), October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti), and October 3 (Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti)—might lead to a significant drop in voter turnout. Varinder Garg, a member of the BJP’s state election management committee, explained that with a long weekend and consecutive holidays, there is a risk that many voters might go on vacation and miss voting.
In support of its request, BJP Haryana chief Mohan Lal Badoli sent a letter to the Election Commission, outlining concerns that the extended holiday period could severely impact voter turnout.
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- With inputs from agencies
