Anil Vij's Big Statement On Haryana Assembly Elections 2024

The BJP is prepared to face elections immediately, stated senior leader Anil Vij, countering criticism for requesting a delay in the September 1 polls. The party argued that long holidays around the election date could lower voter turnout.

Haryana's former Home Minister Anil Vij mentioned that the BJP recently conducted a two-day meeting, proposing three to four potential candidates for each seat the 90-member state Assembly to the Central Election Committee. This demonstrates their readiness for the elections.

BJP's Concerns Over Voter Turnout

Vij highlighted that the announced dates might encourage people to take extended holidays, reducing voter participation. "The declared dates make it possible for people to take extended holidays, which reduces voter turnout. Congress has reacted today, but we are not just asking for an extension. We suggest moving the dates back by a few days to prevent a long holiday period. We are ready for elections. Our party is ready. Have it tomorrow," said Mr Vij.

The Haryana elections are scheduled for October 1 in a single phase, with vote counting on October 4. The BJP isn't alone in seeking this postponement; Abhay Chautala's Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) has also requested a delay.

Historical Precedent and Opposition Reactions

If approved by the Election Commission, this wouldn't be unprecedented. In 2022, Punjab's polling date was shifted from February 14 to 20 after political parties cited Sant Ravidas' birth anniversary celebrations as a reason for postponement.

However, Congress views this differently now. Senior leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda claimed that by asking for a delay, the BJP had "accepted defeat," suggesting that Haryana residents were eager to oust the current government. "Polls should be held according to the date fixed by the EC... People of Haryana don't want to see the BJP government in power even for a day," said Bhupinder Hooda.

Concerns Over Holiday Impact

The Aam Admi Party (AAP), contesting all seats independently, argued that if the BJP had performed well in Haryana, they wouldn't need to postpone elections. The BJP maintains its concern is about voter turnout due to holidays before and after October 1.

"We have reasoned that the Assembly election date of October 1 (Tuesday) is preceded by a weekend and followed by more holidays which might hit the voting percentage as people tend to go on vacation on long weekends," said Varinder Garg from BJP's state election management committee.

Garg pointed out that September 28-29 are Saturday and Sunday while October 1 is a poll holiday. Following this, Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 and Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti on October 3 add more holidays.

BJP's Request Letter

Mohan Lal Badoli, BJP Haryana chief, sent a letter to the poll panel explaining that taking leave on September 30 would give people six consecutive holidays. This extended break could lead many families to travel instead of voting, significantly affecting voter turnout.

The request from both BJP and INLD reflects their concerns over potential low voter engagement due to these consecutive holidays surrounding the election date.