Haryana polls pushed to Oct 5, votes to be counted on Oct 8 along with J&K

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has rescheduled the Haryana polling day from October 1 to October 5, 2024, following representations from the All India Bishnoi Mahasabha regarding the Asoj Amavasya festival. Counting for assembly elections in both Jammu & Kashmir and Haryana has also been moved from October 4 to October 8, 2024. The ECI has a history of adjusting poll dates to accommodate cultural and religious events, as seen in past elections. The BJP welcomed the move, while opposition parties expressed skepticism but affirmed their readiness for the polls.