January 17, 2022: Punjab Assembly elections have been pushed by a week to February 20 from February 14, the Election Commission said today after a meeting.

“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 large number of electors from voting. In view of this, they have requested to shift the poll date few days after 16th February 2022. Commission has also taken inputs from State Government and Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab in this regard,” the Commission said in a press statement issued today after the meeting.

The Commission said, “After considering these new facts… Commission has decided to reschedule the General Elections to Legislative Assembly of Punjab in the following manner:

1. Date of Notification: 25th January 2022 (Tuesday)

2. Last date of Nomination: 1st February 2022 (Tuesday)

3. Date of Scrutiny: 2nd February 2022 (Wednesday)

4. Date of Withdrawal: 4th February 2022 (Friday)

5. Date of Poll: 20th February 2022 (Sunday).

Counting of Votes will be taken up on 10th March 2022 (Thursday).”