Polling in Bikaner on its foundation day, locals fear low turnout

BIKANER: The p o l l i n g d a t e announced on Sunday for the Parliamentary election in Bikaner – May 6 – has prompted concern among officials and representatives of political parties, as it falls on the foundation day of the city.

This, locals said, was the most important event for them to celebrate.

Despite cl ai ms of t aking every occasion in to account the Election Commission of India has scheduled the polls for Bikaner parliamentary constituency o n Aakha Beej ( 2 nd day o f Bright Half in Vaishakh month), the day when every citizen remains busy climbing the roofs to fly kites, celebrating the foundation day of Bikaner and surrounding area.

The date also coincides with Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, the annual spring time festival of the Hindus.

It is considered by Hindus in the Marwar region to be a day of good fortune to establish new businesses, new partnerships, and conduct marriages on this day .

Citing issue of low voter turnout, officials and representatives of political parties have expressed concern that it will be an enormous challenge to get average turn out on the scheduled date.

Pandit Durga Dutt Vyas, an astrologer, told Hindustan Times, “Akha Teej is considered an auspicious day, when one does not have to consult any astrologer. This is the best time for marriages; it will result in poor voter turnout not only in Bikaner, but also in neighbouring parts of the Parliamentary constituency.”

Returning officer and district collector Kumar Pal Goutam s a i d , “We wi l l t r y t o u s e this opportunity for better turno ut us i ng ki t e s t o i nspi r e voters.”