Commission rejects Indian Christians’ plea to change poll date
Elections in West Bengal and Assam states fall on the important religious day of Maundy Thursday
![Bijay Kumar Minj](https://www.ucanews.com/uploads/editors/bijay-1589518191.jpg)
![Commission rejects Indian Christians' plea to change poll date](https://www.ucanews.com/uploads/2021/03/commission-rejects-indian-christians-plea-to-change-poll-date-603dcaede502f_600.jpeg)
The Election Commission of India has turned down a request to change the election date in West Bengal and Assam from Maundy Thursday.
The All India Catholic Union (AICU), the largest laity movement in Asia, submitted a petition asking the commission to reconsider holding polls on April 1, the day before Good Friday, in the eastern and northeastern states.
Chandra Bhushan Kumar, deputy election commissioner, rejected the petition on March 1.
“He said changing the date is not possible at this stage as all the necessary arrangements have already been made in West Bengal and Assam states,” AICU national coordinator A.C. Michael told UCA News.
“However, he assured us to check the dates for elections in Meghalaya and all the northeastern states where Christians are the majority for future elections.”