The Election Commission of India (ECI) has revised the polling schedule for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. Initially planned for October 1, 2024, the polling day has been shifted to October 5, 2024. As a result, the counting of votes for both Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir Assembly elections will now occur on October 8, 2024, instead of October 4, 2024.
The change was made to honor the Bishnoi community's observance of the Asoj Amavasya festival, which commemorates their Guru Jambheshwar. The ECI acknowledged the cultural significance of this event and aimed to ensure that the community could participate fully in both the festival and the democratic process.
In its statement, the ECI highlighted its dedication to respecting cultural and religious practices while maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.