Delay Assembly bypoll: Minority panel ex-head

Former chairman of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) Tarlochan Singh on Thursday wrote to the Election Commission seeking advancement of the byelections to Punjab Assembly seats beyond November 15 to enable locals to fully participate in Guru Nanak Dev birthday festivities on November 15.

In a representation to Rajiv Kumar, Chief Election Commissioner, Singh, a former member of the Rajya Sabha, said it had been announced that byelections to four Assembly seats in Punjab would be held on November 13.

“Guru Nanak Ji’s birthday is on November 15. It is celebrated on three days. The Akhand Path (non-stop recitation of Guru Granth Sahib) starts on the morning of November 13 in every gurdwara and even in homes,” Singh informed the CEC. He said every Punjab village is dotted with several gurdwaras.

“The date announced by you will clash with the religious ceremonies. I request you to extend the date beyond November 15 to give proper consideration to the religious sentiments of the people,” he said.

The demand is expected to gather support.

The EC had earlier advanced Haryana Assembly poll from October 1 to 5 after the BJP, INLD and the All India Bishnoi Mahasabha petitioned it for the same flagging a major Bishnoi community festival in the first week of October that could potentially impact voter turnout. The poll was accordingly rescheduled.