Several political leaders have alleged that the elections during Ramzan was a conspiracy to discourage Muslims from voting.
With several political parties questioning the Lok Sabha election schedule as it falls during Ramzan, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday said the controversy around this was 'unnecessary and uncalled for'.
Several political leaders, including from the TMC and the AAP, have alleged that the elections during Ramzan was a conspiracy to discourage Muslims from voting as many would not go out to vote in the sun while observing fast.
Lok Sabha elections will begin on April 11 and continue for over a month till May 19 across seven phases, followed by counting of votes on May 23, the Election Commission announced on Sunday.
The polling will be held on April 11, April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19 for 543 Lok Sabha seats across the country in which nearly 90 crore voters would be eligible to vote, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said at a press conference in Delhi.
As Ramzan is likely to begin on May 6, three phases will fall under the holy month when Muslims observe roza (fast) from dawn to sunset.
Here is how some leaders have reacted to the polling the Ramzan:
1. Voting in Ramzan will benefit BJP: AAP MLA
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"Voting in Delhi will on May 12 during Ramzan when Muslims will observe roza and voter turnout will be less. It will directly benefit BJP," AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan said.
2. TMC leader alleges conspiracy
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Such a prolonged polling process will put a lot of pressure on the people because of the month of Ramzan and the summer in April and May, TMC leader and Kolkata Mayor said.
"We have full faith in the Election Commission. The central government has targeted West Bengal in order to ensure that minority community people can't come out to vote in large numbers due to fasting in the Ramzan month," he said.
"EC is a constitutional body and we respect them. We don't want to say anything against them. But 7-phase election will be tough for people in Bihar, UP&WB. It'll be most difficult for those who will be observing Ramzan at that time," Hakim said.
"Minority population in these three states is quite high. They will cast votes by observing 'roza'. EC should have kept this in mind. BJP wants minorities to not cast their votes. But we aren't worried. People are committed to BJP hatao-desh bachao," he added.
3. Controversy is totally uncalled for and unnecessary: Owaisi
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"This whole controversy is totally uncalled for and unnecessary. I would earnestly request those political parties that please don't use the Muslim community and Ramzan for whatever reasons you have. Muslims will definitely fast in Ramzan, they go out and lead a normal life, they go to office, even the poorest of the poor will also fast. My analysis is that this month (Ramzan) will lead to more voting percentage because one will be free from all worldly duties," All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi said.
