New Delhi: The upcoming Haryana assembly elections have taken an unexpected turn, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) request to defer the polls sparking a political firestorm. While the BJP claims concern over low voter turnout due to extended holidays, the opposition sees it as a sign of weakness and fear of defeat.
The BJP, in power for a decade, has insisted that it is ready to face the electorate on the originally scheduled date of October 1st. However, they have also requested the Election Commission to consider shifting the date to avoid a long weekend that could discourage voters from casting their ballots.
Ambala: Haryana’s former Home Minister Anil Vij says, “The declared dates make it possible for people to take extended holidays, which reduces voter turnout. Congress has reacted today, but we are not just asking for an extension. We suggest moving the dates back by a few days to… pic.twitter.com/PLckYZNO42
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“The declared dates make it possible for people to take extended holidays, which reduces voter turnout. Congress has reacted today, but we are not just asking for an extension. We suggest moving the dates back by a few days to prevent a long holiday period. We are ready for elections. Our party is ready. Have it tomorrow,” said Anil Vij, a former Haryana Home Minister.
The party argues that the election day, falling on a Tuesday is sandwiched between a weekend and a series of holidays, including Gandhi Jayanti and Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti. This extended holiday period, they believe, could lead to a significant drop in voter turnout, as people are likely to take extended vacations.
However, the opposition parties have dismissed the BJP’s concerns, accusing them of using the holiday period as a smokescreen to mask their fear of losing the elections. The Congress party, in particular, has been quick to capitalise on the situation, seeing it as a sign of the BJP’s desperation.
Congress leaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Deepender Hooda have declared that the BJP’s request for postponement is an admission of defeat and a sign of their fear of the people’s verdict. They have asserted that the people of Haryana are ready to throw out the incumbent government and that the elections should be held on the scheduled date.
The Aam Aadmi Party, contesting independently, has echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that if the BJP had done any worthwhile work in the state, they wouldn’t be seeking a postponement.
The Election Commission, meanwhile, is yet to respond to the BJP’s request. However, the political debate surrounding the issue has already intensified, with both the BJP and its opponents using the opportunity to strengthen their positions and attack their adversaries.