EC can't expect Muslims to queue up in scorching heat of May-June to vote: Sanjay Singh

Amravati (Andhra Pradesh) [India], Mar 11 (ANI): AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh that it is unfair on the part of the Election Commission to expect Muslims who will be on fast during the month of Ramzan, to queue up and wait for hours under the scorching heat of May-June to exercise their franchise.
Singh also raised questions over the 'common sense' of the Election Commission of India in holding polls whose schedule coincides with that of Ramzan.
"How will Muslim participate in large numbers on May 12 and May 19 while they will be on fast during the month of Ramzan. How can Election Commission expect them to queue up waiting for hours under the scorching heat of May-June to cast their votes," said Sanjay Singh.
"Does Election Commission (EC) even lack this much of basic understanding and common sense," said Singh. "The EC should rethink over the 12 May and 19 May dates," he said.
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. While the counting of votes will be done on May 23.
Ramzan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad according to Islamic belief.  Ramzan will start in India around May 5 depending on Moon sighting and will end by June 5
Earlier in the day, Trinamool Congress leader and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim had questioned the lengthy schedule of the upcoming seven phase Lok Sabha polls stating that it will be arduous for those observing Ramzan in the states of Bihar, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh (ANI)