MLA, EX-MLA, NGO SEEK CHANGE IN ASSEMBLY POLLING DATE OVER DIFFERENT ISSUES

HARIDWAR: BJP legislator from Jhabreda constituency Deshraj Karnwal on Wednesday urged the election commission to change polling date for the state assembly polls.

Citing the Guru Ravidas jayanti that falls on February 14, the legislator, who hails from Dalit community, said the election commission should change the polling date in Uttarakhand from February 14 as it has done in case of poll-bound Punjab.

“Guru Ravidas jayanti is observed in large scale in the state. Several religious, spiritual and public events are held on the day. Keeping in mind the religious sentiments of the followers, the election committee should consider shifting the polling date,” said Karnwal.

Former Tehri legislator Kishore Upadhyay also wrote to the election commission and all major political parties to ensure the polling is held in the state in mid-March instead of mid-February.

Upadhyay said there are intense cold wave, snowfall and rain in February which will pose difficulty for voters and challenge for candidates and administrative machinery involved in election process.

Social Development for Community Foundation founder Anoop Nautiyal has asked the election commission to change polling dates in the state though on another ground. Nautiyal has cited polling day being on Monday which is a working day.

“A large number of people hailing from the state hill areas work in plain segments as well as in neighboring states. If polling day is made Sunday then more number of working migrant can come for polling,” said Nautiyal.