CEC Rajiv Kumar.
Credit: PTI Photo
The Election Commission today revised the poll dates of Rajasthan to November 25 from November 23, following several requests from social and relgious organisations from Rajasthan.
The day of November 23 coincides with a special Hindu occasion, called Dev Uthani Gyaras, considered auspicious for weddings.
Several devotees are also expected to visit temples on that day. Lakhs of devotees make it a religious practice to visit the famous temples including Srinathji near Udaipur, Govindeoji Temple in Jaipur and others on that day. It is said to be propitious for Sanatan Dharmis.
As several thousand weddings are scheduled on that day, organisations related with the wedding industry, transportation and even astrological organisations requested the Election Commission to change the dates.
Noting the requests and the consequent fallout of low voter turnout due to these social and religious engagements, the Election Commission decided to change the date to November 25.
In a statement, the EC said the decision was taken following representations made by various parties and social organisations for a change of the date of poll "considering large-scale wedding/social engagements on that day (November 23) which may cause inconvenience to large number of people, various logistic issues and may lead to reduced voters participation during poll".
EC notice on change of date.
"The Commission, having considered these factors and representations, has decided to change the date of poll from 23rd November, 2023 (Thursday) to 25th November, 2023 (Saturday)," it added.
The counting of votes will take place as scheduled on December 3, along with the same for four other state assembly polls.
The poll panel announced the assembly poll schedule for Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram on Monday.
(With PTI inputs)