Thiruvananthapuram: In a decisive move, the State Election Commission has firmly rejected the demand put forth by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) to alter the date of the upcoming by-election in Puthupally. The commission, through a released notification, has affirmed that there will be no modifications to the initially scheduled date, and that the voting process will indeed take place on September 5. The deadline for submitting nomination papers has been set for the 17th of this month, while the crucial examination is slated for the 18th. Additionally, candidates have until the 21st to withdraw their nominations. On the day of polling, voters can cast their ballots from 7 am to 6 pm.
Sanjay Kaul, the State Chief Electoral Officer, has further informed that arrangements will be made to accommodate differently abled voters by establishing specially designed booths. Additionally, ‘green lane compliant’ booths will also be set up to ensure an environmentally responsible election process.
The LDF had raised a demand to reschedule the Puthupally by-election date, citing the concurrent festivities of Onam and the Manarkkad eight-day fasting festival as significant factors. In response, a formal complaint was lodged with the Election Commission, urging for an extension of the election date to accommodate these traditional celebrations. Notable dates within the upcoming festive period include Vinayaka Chaturthi on the 20th, the first day of Onam on the 28th, and Thiruvonam on the 29th. The Onam festival, which holds cultural and religious importance, is imminent, with Ayyankali Jayanti on the first day and Sree Narayana Guru Jayanti on the fourth day.
Particularly, the LDF’s concern revolves around the eight-day fasting observance at Manarkad St. Mary’s Church, scheduled to take place from September 1 to 8.
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