Muslim groups, political parties seek changes in Jharkhand poll date

Ranchi, Oct 26: Muslim groups and political parties in Jharkhand have requested the Election Commission of India (ECI) to change the date of the poll from November 27, citing Bakr-Eid festival as the reason.

The ECI has announced a five-phase election schedule for the Jharkhand Assembly, which will be held from November 27 to December 18, while Bakr-Eid falls on November 28.

According to reports, major parties in the State including, the Congress, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) are backing the Muslim groups' request.

Earlier, announcing the schedule, Chief Election Commissioner Navin Chawla had said the Commission had prepared the schedule after taking into consideration all relevant aspects.

Polls will be held on November 27, December 2, 8, 12, 18.

In the first phase 30 constituencies will vote, in the second phase 15 constituencies will go to the polls, in third phase seven seats will vote, and 14 and 15 constituencies will vote in the fourth and the fifth phase, respectively.

Counting will be held on December 23.

--ANI