Election Commission reschedules bye-elections in Kerala, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh

The Election Commission of India announced on Monday that the assembly by-polls in Kerala, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh have been rescheduled from 13th November to 20th November 2024, due to various festivals occurring on the original date. This decision comes after representations from recognized national and state political parties, including the BJP, INC, BSP, and RLD, as well as social organizations, citing potential inconvenience and reduced voter participation caused by significant social, cultural, and religious engagements on 13th November.

The revised schedule affects 14 assembly constituencies across the three states. In Kerala, the bye-election for the Palakkad assembly constituency will now take place on 20th November instead of 13th November. In Punjab, the elections in Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal (SC), Gidderbaha, and Barnala assembly constituencies have also been moved to the new date. In Uttar Pradesh, the constituencies of Meerapur, Kundarki, Ghaziabad, Khair (SC), Karhal, Sishamau, Phulpur, Katehari, and Majhawan will hold their elections on 20th November instead of 13th November.

The dates for counting and the completion of the polls for these constituencies remain unchanged, scheduled for 23rd November (Saturday) and 25th November (Monday), respectively.