Are people voting for the first time during Ramzan, asks BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain

New Delhi [India], Mar 11 (ANI): Rejecting the opposition’s chest beating over a few phases of Lok Sabha poll schedule coinciding with Ramzan, former Union Minister and BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain 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 responding to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Firhad Hakim’s criticism of the lengthy schedule of polling in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, which he said would affect the people who fast during Ramzan.
The Election Commission of India (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.”
He, however, said that “let leaders make a grand alliance.” “People of the country are with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They are galvanised to make Modi the prime minister again,” he said. (ANI)