CPI, BJP want polls in Kerala postponed

CPI, BJP and the NCP today demanded postponement of Lok Sabha elections in Kerala, slated for April 16, at least by a week as the festival of Vishu and the Holy Week of Christians come just before the polls.

This demand was put forward by the various party delegations that had separately called on the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) N Gopalaswami, who is in the state capital to review preparations for the poll preparations. The two major parties in the state, CPI-M and the Congress, however, did not make this demand.

CPI-M delegates, after meeting the CEC, told reporters that the party did not want the change in polling schedule as the poll date was decided considering various aspects.

While Vishu, the most important Hindu festival after Onam, falls on April 14, the Holy Week for Christians starts on April 9 and culminates with Easter on April 12.

The parties pressing for the postponement of voting said poll preparations could be affected as the week that immediately precedes the voting had a cluster of holidays.

Gopalaswami would meet District Collectors, Chief Secretary, DGP and other senior civil and police officials to assess the arrangements for the elections.