Election Commission Delays Maharashtra Elections

The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced assembly elections for Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir while delaying the polls for Maharashtra, citing heavy rains, security concerns, and upcoming festivals as reasons. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar explained that the complexity of scheduling multiple elections necessitated the decision, noting that Maharashtra's assembly term ends later than Haryana's. Opposition parties, including the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the NCP, criticized the ECI for the delay, accusing the ruling BJP of attempting to manipulate election timing to shore up support and avoid accountability. They questioned the validity of the 'one nation, one election' slogan, claiming that the ECI's rationale was merely a pretext for the ruling party’s strategic advantage. The polls in Jammu & Kashmir are set to begin on September 18, while Haryana will vote on October 1, with counting scheduled for October 4. Maharashtra's elections could follow after the festive season concludes on October 31.