The Election Commission of India, responding to requests from several political parties, changed the date for the by-elections in 14 Legislative Assembly seats. Initially set for the 13th, voting in Kerala, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh will now take place on November 20.
Although the voting date has shifted, the schedule for counting votes and announcing results remains the same. The Election Commission will release the results for these seats, along with those for the Maharashtra and Jharkhand assemblies, on November 23.
Election Commission sources indicate that festivals such as Kalpathi Ratholsavam (November 13 to 15), Kartik Purnima (November 15), and the Sri Guru Nanak Dev Prakash Festival (November 15) in these three states prompted the change. Political parties proposed the adjustment, citing concerns that the holidays could impact voter turnout. Accepting their proposal, the Election Commission revised the voting date.
By-elections will now take place on November 20 for 9 Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, 4 in Punjab, and 1 in Kerala.