Peeved Trinamool questions seven-phase polling in Bengal

West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress on Sunday expressed its dissatisfaction over the Election Commission announcing seven-phase polling in the state, saying the staggered elections would put pressure on the people.

Senior Trinamool leader and state minister Firhad Hakim also questioned the holding of polls in the month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast during the day. Ramadan will fall in May-June this year.

"Whether the elections are held for five phases, or seven, or 14, that doesn't matter, because our leader Mamata Banerjee has a place in the people's hearts.

"But we are concerned about the people of the state. Such a staggered polling will put pressure on the people. And the polls are being held in the month of Ramadan. Who are they trying to benefit?" he asked.

On the other hand, Left Front Chairman Biman Bose said the Election Commission needs to ensure free, fair and proper polls as "democracy has been murdered in the state".

"The number of phases are not important. What is pertinent for West Bengal is whether the elections will be impartial, proper, free and fair. If the Election Commission can ensure free, fair and proper polls, then our fight to restore democracy in West Bengal, will get a boost," he said.

Bose said the LF will come out with its candidate list on March 13.

--IANS

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