Punjab bypoll postponement comes as breather for parties as paddy procurement still underway

As Punjab’s rural voters are still busy with paddy procurement, the postponement of the bypolls to the four Assembly seats of Gidderbaha, Barnala, Dera Baba Nanak and Chabbewal from November 13 to November 20 has come as a breather for political parties.

Welcoming the decision, Punjab Congress leaders said the paddy procurement crisis had been keeping the electorate engaged. “This was affecting our campaign in rural areas stretching across the four Assembly segments. The voters in villages will get free by November 13 and we will have a better focussed campaign,” said a senior Congress leader.

Punjab Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa said he had earlier written to the Election Commission, urging it to consider postponing the November 13 Assembly bypolls in Punjab in view of the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev on November 15. The celebrations extend over three days and will start on November 13, he said.

However, a section of leaders feel extended campaign would give advantage to the ruling AAP government to mobilise its official machinery and put extra financial burden on opposition parties.

“With Akalis not contesting, extra time means that Akali cadre vote could drift towards Manpreet Badal instead of going with Hardeep Singh Dimpy, Akali-turned-AAP candidate from Gidderbaha, which could work to the disadvantage of the Congress,” said a senior Congress leader.

Punjab BJP media head Vineet Joshi called it a welcome step. The decision would allow the voters to celebrate their religious engagements.