The Assembly election in Punjab has been postponed from 14 to 20 February. The Election Commission of India (ECI) made the announcement today, after a meeting was held in New Delhi to discuss the same.

Now, the date of notification will be issued on January 25, and the state will go to polls on February 20. The counting of votes will be done on March 10.

“After consideration of all facts made available, the Election Commission has announced 2022 General Elections to the Legislative Assembly of State of Punjab on 8th January 2022 under which notification for the election is to be issued on 21st January 2022 and poll is to take place on 14th February 2022,” the EC said in a statement.

 Commission has received several representations from State Government, Political Parties and other organizations drawing attention regarding movement of a large number of devotees from Punjab to Varanasi for participation in Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Jayanti celebrations, which is observed on 16th February 2022. 

They have also brought to the notice that a large number of devotees start moving for Varanasi around a week before the day of celebration and keeping the poll day on 14th February 2022 will deprive a large number of electors from voting. In view of this, they have requested to shift the poll date a few days after 16th February 2022. 

 The Commission has also taken inputs from the State Government and Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab in this regard.