Now demand in Tamil Nadu to reschedule LS poll in view of Chithirai festival

Close on the heels of some leaders expressing concern over the Lok Sabha poll schedule clashing with the holy month of Ramzan, political leaders here have sought change in poll dates in view of Chithirai festival.

An all-party delegation on Tuesday demanded the postponement of Lok Sabha election in Tamil Nadu, which is scheduled to take place on April 18, in view of Chithirai festival from April 8 to 22 in the state.

The representatives of different parties met District Collector S Natarajan on Tuesday, demanding the rescheduling of the Lok Sabha elections, which will be held on April 18 in a single phase.

Responding to the demand, the Collector said that the voting time can be extended due to festivities, but there's no scope for rescheduling the polling.

This comes a day after TMC leader and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim questioned the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the staggered LS poll schedule in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, which may coincide with month-long fast, likely to start from May 5 to conclude on June 4 accordingly.

Congress leader JP Dhanopia also said: "It would have been convenient if the Election Commission of India had decided the dates keeping in mind the holy month of Ramzan."

Former Union Minister and BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, however, on Monday wondered if the people were voting for the first time during the month-long fast, which this year is likely to start from May 5 to conclude on June 4 accordingly.

"Are the people voting for the first time during Ramzan," asked Hussain, while talking to ANI in New Delhi.

ECI on Sunday announced seven-phased poll to the 17th Lok Sabha, beginning April 11 and ending on May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23 to declare 543 members elected for the Lok Sabha, the Lower House of Indian Parliament.

The phase five of Lok Sabha polling has been fixed for May 6, phase six May 12, and phase seven May 19, during which the polling will take place in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

Terming the whole controversy unfortunate, Hussain told ANI: "Our Hindu brothers fast on Monday. So, does that mean elections should not be held on Monday? Religious activities are extremely personal matters. People keep fast and go to work. And if they go to cast their votes, will Ramzan be stopped?"

Chiding Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal, Hussain said: "What the message TMC is trying to send through all this."

The Election Commission had on Sunday announced the schedule for Lok Sabha elections. The dates for the seven phases are April 11, April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19. Counting of votes will be done on May 23.