Key Highlights
- Dates revised: Rajasthan's State Election Commission has advanced the first three phases of panchayat elections by one day.
- The reason: Religious sentiments and public concerns around Dhanteras.
- Phase 4 unchanged: Zila Parishad/Panchayat Samiti voting on November 14 and Panch/Sarpanch polling on November 16 remain as planned.
- First phase: Zila Parishad/Panchayat Samiti voting on October 22; Panch/Sarpanch polling on October 24.
Rajasthan's State Election Commission has revised the schedule for the upcoming Panchayati Raj elections, advancing the first three phases by one day. The Commission cited religious sentiments and public concerns surrounding Dhanteras. The fourth phase remains unchanged.
Old vs New Schedule
| Phase | Zila Parishad & Panchayat Samiti (Old → New) | Panch & Sarpanch (Old → New) |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Oct 23 → Oct 22 | Oct 25 → Oct 24 |
| Phase 2 | Oct 29 → Oct 28 | Oct 31 → Oct 30 |
| Phase 3 | Nov 4 → Nov 3 | Nov 6 → Nov 5 |
| Phase 4 | Nov 14 (no change) | Nov 16 (no change) |
Full Phase-Wise Calendar
| Phase | ZP & PS voting | Panch/Sarpanch nominations | Panch/Sarpanch polling | Deputy Sarpanch election |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oct 22 | Oct 23 | Oct 24 | Oct 25 |
| 2 | Oct 28 | Oct 29 | Oct 30 | Oct 31 |
| 3 | Nov 3 | Nov 4 | Nov 5 | Nov 6 |
| 4 | Nov 14 | – | Nov 16 | – |
Why It Matters: Elections in the Middle of Festivals
The panchayat polls run right through Rajasthan's busiest festive season, from after Dussehra to just after Diwali. Dhanteras is one of the most important days for families and traders, with heavy shopping and puja preparations. Holding major voting on that day could have kept many voters, candidates and polling staff away.
By shifting the first three phases a day earlier, the Commission has tried to keep the main polling days away from the festival rush while keeping the overall election calendar largely intact.
Rural voters, however, should note the change carefully. Many may have planned travel or work around the earlier dates, and a one-day shift can easily be missed.
What Voters Should Do
- Check which phase your gram panchayat falls in.
- Note the new date for both Zila Parishad/Panchayat Samiti voting and Panch/Sarpanch polling, as they are on different days.
- Carry a valid ID on polling day.
- Watch for official notices from your district election office.
The Bottom Line
Rajasthan's village elections will now avoid a direct clash with Dhanteras in the first three phases. For lakhs of rural voters, the key is simple: check your phase, and note the new date.
With inputs from IANS.
Key Highlights
- Dates revised: Rajasthan's State Election Commission has advanced the first three phases of panchayat elections by one day.
- The reason: Religious sentiments and public concerns around Dhanteras.
- Phase 4 unchanged: Zila Parishad/Panchayat Samiti voting on November 14 and Panch/Sarpanch polling on November 16 remain as planned.
- First phase: Zila Parishad/Panchayat Samiti voting on October 22; Panch/Sarpanch polling on October 24.
Rajasthan's State Election Commission has revised the schedule for the upcoming Panchayati Raj elections, advancing the first three phases by one day. The Commission cited religious sentiments and public concerns surrounding Dhanteras. The fourth phase remains unchanged.
Old vs New Schedule
| Phase | Zila Parishad & Panchayat Samiti (Old → New) | Panch & Sarpanch (Old → New) |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Oct 23 → Oct 22 | Oct 25 → Oct 24 |
| Phase 2 | Oct 29 → Oct 28 | Oct 31 → Oct 30 |
| Phase 3 | Nov 4 → Nov 3 | Nov 6 → Nov 5 |
| Phase 4 | Nov 14 (no change) | Nov 16 (no change) |
Full Phase-Wise Calendar
| Phase | ZP & PS voting | Panch/Sarpanch nominations | Panch/Sarpanch polling | Deputy Sarpanch election |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oct 22 | Oct 23 | Oct 24 | Oct 25 |
| 2 | Oct 28 | Oct 29 | Oct 30 | Oct 31 |
| 3 | Nov 3 | Nov 4 | Nov 5 | Nov 6 |
| 4 | Nov 14 | – | Nov 16 | – |
Why It Matters: Elections in the Middle of Festivals
The panchayat polls run right through Rajasthan's busiest festive season, from after Dussehra to just after Diwali. Dhanteras is one of the most important days for families and traders, with heavy shopping and puja preparations. Holding major voting on that day could have kept many voters, candidates and polling staff away.
By shifting the first three phases a day earlier, the Commission has tried to keep the main polling days away from the festival rush while keeping the overall election calendar largely intact.
Rural voters, however, should note the change carefully. Many may have planned travel or work around the earlier dates, and a one-day shift can easily be missed.
What Voters Should Do
- Check which phase your gram panchayat falls in.
- Note the new date for both Zila Parishad/Panchayat Samiti voting and Panch/Sarpanch polling, as they are on different days.
- Carry a valid ID on polling day.
- Watch for official notices from your district election office.
The Bottom Line
Rajasthan's village elections will now avoid a direct clash with Dhanteras in the first three phases. For lakhs of rural voters, the key is simple: check your phase, and note the new date.
With inputs from IANS.