LUCKNOW:
In a significant development ahead of by-polls, the Election Commission of India on Monday rescheduled the polling dates in three states – Kerala, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.
The by-elections for nine Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, four Assembly seats in Punjab and two Assembly seats in Kerala will now be held on November 20, instead of November 13. There is no change in counting day, however, and the results will be declared as earlier scheduled on November 23.
The decision to re-work the dates in these states were taken in wake of upcoming festivals, the poll body said in a statement.
“The decision was made in response to requests from parties including Congress, BJP, BSP, RLD, and other national and state-level parties to prevent any potential dip in voter turnout during the festive season,” said EC.
In Kerala, the two Assembly constituencies going to polls on November 20 are Palakkad and Chelakkara. Palakkad is a hot seat in the state and is expected to see a tight contest between Congress and BJP. In the past two elections, BJP came second and fell barely behind Congress, while consistently increasing its vote share.
In Punjab, the Assembly constituencies headed for by-polls include Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal, Gidderbaha, and Barnala.
These four Assembly seats fell vacant after MLAs from these constituencies, three from Congress and one from AAP, got elected to the Lok Sabha, this year.
The Punjab by-polls are seen as a prestige battle for the ruling AAP and a chance for Congress to increase its growing clout and might in the state. For the Akali Dal, the by-elections are an opportunity to regain the foothold it once enjoyed.
In Uttar Pradesh, eight out of nine Assembly seats going for by-polls fell vacant after legislators became Parliamentarians, after 2024 elections.
Out of these, SP won four seats—Sisamau, Katehari, Karhal, and Kundarki. BJP had bagged four—Phulpur, Ghaziabad, Majhawan, and Khair while Meerapur, was won by the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD).
more recommended stories
Priyanka Gandhi Wins Debut Election from Wayanad by a Margin of Over 4 LakhKALPETTA:Right from the day the Congress.
India Under Trump 2.0 Could Bolster its Position in Global Supply ChainsNEW DELHI:As Donald Trump returns as.
Priyanka Gandhi Consolidates Massive Lead in Wayanad Lok Sabha BypollKALPETTA:Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra,.
10 Maoists Gunned Down in Encounter with Security Forces in SukmaSUKUMA:In a major operation, at least.
Heavy Rain Likely in TN, Orange Alert Issued for Nov 26CHENNAI:The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) issued.
Manipur: Protester Shot Dead During Clash with Security Forces in JiribamIMPHAL:A protester was shot dead during.
Heavy Rains in TN, Yellow Alert for 18 Districts this WeekendCHENNAI:The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has.
Delhi-NCR’s Air Quality Remains Hazardous for ResidentsNEW DELHI:Delhi-NCR’s air quality remained severely.
Indonesia’s Mt. Ibu Erupts, Triggers Second-highest Aviation AlertJAKARTA:Mount Ibu, located in Indonesia’s North.
Over 5 Lac Elderly Above 70 Enroll for Ayushman Cards; Highest from MP, KeralaNEW DELHI:More than five lakh senior.