The by-polls are to be conducted for 14 seats among three states, i.e., Punjab (4), Kerala (1), and Uttar Pradesh (9) on November 13 have been shifted to 20. As there have been requests sent by various national parties to the Election Commission citing festival reasons that have potential effect on voter turnout. The parties which requested included Congress, BJP, BSP, and RLD.
Kerala Bypolls
Pallakad Constituency in Kerala is up for bypolls. However, the bypolls of wayanad remained to be conducted on the same date as decided earlier, i.e., on November 13. And the state has the festival of Rastholam during November 13-15.
Punjab Bypolls
The constituencies of Punjab Bypolls include Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal (SC), Gidderbaha, and Barnala. In Punjab, from November 13 onwards, Ankhand Parv will begin and Prakash Parv of Guru on November 15.
Uttar Pradesh Bypolls
Meerapur, Kundarki, Ghaziabad, Khair (SC), Karhal, Sishamau, Phulpur, Katehari, and Majhawan. This States celebrates Karthika Poornami on November 15.
Stating these festival reasons that could negatively effect voter turnout, the parties (Congress, BJP, BSP, and RLD) have requested revision of dates. However, the requests of date change could be for buying time for campaigns and furthering the voter base by the contesting parties. The counting of these votes will happen on November 23.
