The Chetna Association of Canada, a pro democracy organization based in Vancouver, has lauded India’s Election Commissioner’s decision to postpose Punjab Assembly polls to February 20 in view of the Ravi Das Jayanti celebrations.
The Election Commission said the postponement had been done as it had received several representations from the state government, political parties and other organisations drawing its attention to the expected movement of a large number of people from Punjab to Varanasi for participation in Guru Ravidas Jayanti celebrations.
The Jayanti falls on February 16.
A large number of devotees start moving to Varanasi around a week before the day of celebration and polling on February 14 would have deprived them of voting.
“By having the elections on the same day as the Jayanti would not have only dampened the celebrations across the globe, it would have also resulted a lack of confidence in the institution mandated to facilitate fair elections. By listening to the petitioners and making timely decision, we commend the Election Commission and convey our heartfelt gratitude. There is a large following of Guru Ravidass in Canada who will also be observing the Guru Ravidass Jayanti around the same time. Many of these patrons will also now be able to observe the day with a greater joy,” a note from the Association mentioned.
