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Election Dates for Maharashtra, Jharkhand Expected Soon
The Election Commission is expected to announce the dates for the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand in the coming week, according to a report by The Times of India. Polling is anticipated to take place in the second or third week of November, just after the festive season.
Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly Elections
With Diwali set to take place between October 29 and November 3, followed by Chhath Puja—an important festival in Jharkhand—and Dev Deepawali, the Election Commission is considering scheduling the elections toward the end of the second week of November. This timeline is aimed at accommodating migrant voters, especially those from Bihar working in Maharashtra, allowing them to return home and participate in the elections after the festivals.
By-Elections to Accompany Assembly Polls
In addition to the Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly polls, by-elections for over 45 assembly seats across several states, including the Lok Sabha seats of Wayanad and Basirhat, are expected to be held simultaneously. The Wayanad seat fell vacant following Rahul Gandhi’s resignation to retain his Amethi seat, while the death of Trinamool Congress MP Sheikh Nurul Islam triggered the by-election in Basirhat.
Shorter Polling Phases for Jharkhand?
The Maharashtra assembly term expires on November 26, while the Jharkhand assembly’s term will conclude on January 5, 2025. While Jharkhand’s last assembly election in 2019 was held over five phases, speculation has arisen that the Election Commission may shorten the process this time, potentially taking a cue from the reduction in polling phases for Jammu and Kashmir.
This announcement is set to shape the political landscape as these critical elections approach, with all eyes on the Election Commission’s final decision.
