BJP urges delay of October 1 Haryana assembly elections citing possibility of low voter-turnout

The BJP and INLD have formally requested the Election Commission to consider postponing the Haryana assembly elections scheduled for October 1. They argue that the extended weekend could negatively impact voter turnout.

On Thursday, BJP state president Mohanlal Badoli wrote to the Election Commission, and INLD leader Abhay Chautala followed with a letter on Saturday. They expressed concern that many voters might be away from their constituencies due to the extended weekend, which could reduce participation in the elections.

Badoli emphasized that the long weekend might discourage people from returning to vote on October 1.


"Given that it will be a long weekend, many families might leave the state, which will undoubtedly affect voter turnout," he said. Chautala anticipated a drop in voter turnout of 15% to 20% if the election date remains unchanged.

With October 1 being a Tuesday and a polling day, and October 2 a national holiday for Gandhi Jayanti, many might leave the cities after taking a day off on Monday, September 30.

Congress leaders and Lok Sabha MPs Deepender Singh Hooda and Kumari Selja criticized the BJP's request for a postponement. On X, Hooda accused the BJP of seeking a delay out of fear of losing.

"Sensing defeat, the ruling party is presenting flimsy arguments. Because it has no issues, no achievements to highlight, and insufficient candidates to field, the BJP is attempting to delay the elections by citing holidays. Haryana voters are well aware," Hooda stated.

Observers suggest that the BJP’s concerns about turnout may be related to the fact that urban voters, where the party has a strong base, are more likely to use the extended weekend for travel. In the recent general election, the BJP experienced a setback, with Congress securing 5 out of 10 seats in Haryana.

In his letter, Badoli also highlighted the significance of 'Aasoj Amavasya' on October 2, an important event for the Bishnoi community, who travel to a fair in Bikaner, Rajasthan.

Many are expected to leave for Bikaner a day or two before the event. He pointed out that Punjab’s election dates were also postponed in 2022 due to Ravidas Jayanti.