It has excluded date of main festival and Fridays: EC on polls coinciding with Ramzan

Amidst a debate by a section of political parties over holding the ensuing Lok Sabha elections during the holy month of Ramzan, the Election Commission of India (EC) said that it has excluded the date of the main festival and Fridays from the poll schedule but a full month cannot be excluded. Ramzan, observed by Muslims as a month of fasting, is likely to coincide with the seven-phase election schedule.

"During Ramadan, polls are conducted as a full month cannot be excluded. However, dates of main festival and Fridays are avoided for poll days," the Election Commission 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. 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. Ramzan is likely to start in India around May 5 depending on the sighting of the moon and continue for a month. Earlier in the day, Trinamool Congress leader and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim had questioned the lengthy schedule of the 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.

(With inputs from agencies.)