EC Reschedules Palakkad Assembly By-Poll to November 20

Thiruvananthapuram: The Election Commission of India has rescheduled the Palakkad assembly by-election to November 20. Initially slated for November 13, the date was moved to prevent a conflict with the Kalpathi Ratholsavam, scheduled from November 13 to 15, 2024, at the Sree Viswanatha Swamy Temple in Palakkad.

However, the Wayanad Lok Sabha and Chelakara assembly by-elections in Kerala will proceed as planned on November 13.

The Kalpathi Ratholsavam is a major festival and holding it during the polling would have created huge inconvenience for a large number of voters. The EC decision comes in the wake of the demand raised by principal political parties for a change of date.

The Congress, CPM, and BJP have welcomed the decision by the EC.

Local Bodies Minister M.B. Rajesh stated that the CPM-led LDF had written to the Election Commission (EC) to change the dates. "If they had rescheduled the date earlier, it would have been more convenient for everyone. Nevertheless, we welcome the decision," he remarked.

"We were the first to demand the rescheduling of the polling date on the day the election was announced. However, they were indifferent to our request. It's unclear why they have decided at this stage, but we are prepared," declared Opposition Leader V.D. Satheeshan.

BJP State President K. Surendran mentioned that the party had sent a letter to the EC demanding the rescheduling of the poll. "Unfortunately, the government and the district collector opined that there was no issue in conducting the poll on November 13, which is why the decision was delayed," he said.