New Delhi: Fireworks for political parties
in Maharashtra and Haryana this Diwali--a popular festival--
may have to wait for a few days.
This is because the results of the October 13 elections
will not be known until October 22, the day when votes will be
counted, a full five days after the Festival of Lights that
traditionally ignites boisterous celebrations. Diwali falls on
October 17.
It could be a subdued Diwali for the candidates uncertain
over their electoral fate which would have been already sealed
in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) before the start of
the festivities. Arunachal Pradesh also goes to poll on
October 13.
And the poll date announced today has brought to fore the
world's widespread superstition--Number 13, which some
consider it unlucky.
But the date appears to be no issue for the Congress.
Asked whether October 13 will prove lucky for the party,
Congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi said, "all dates are lucky
for us."
"We rely on our preparedness and what we have done and
not on superstitious beliefs," he said.
Bureau Report
First Published: Monday, August 31, 2009, 23:21