Guru Nanak’s birthday on Nov 15: Tarlochan Singh seeks advancement of Punjab bypoll

Former chairman of the National Commission of Minorities (NCM) Tarlochan Singh on Thursday wrote to the Election Commission of India (ECI) seeking advancement of byelection to Punjab Assembly seats beyond November 15 to enable locals to fully participate in Guru Nanak Dev’s birthday that falls on November 15.

In a representation to Rajiv Kumar Chief Election Commissioner, Singh, a former MP of Rajya Sabha, said it has been announced that byelection to four Assembly seats of Punjab would be held on November 13.

“Guru Nanak Ji’s birthday is on 15th November. 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 of people of Punjab. I request you to extend the date beyond 15th November to give proper consideration to the religious sentiments of the people of the State,” he said.

The demand is expected to gather pace.

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