Owaisi downplays issue of Lok Sabha polls during Ramzan

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday asked political parties not to create controversy on the issue of holding Lok Sabha polls during Ramzan and said there will be greater participation of Muslim community in the democratic exercise during that period.

Speaking to media persons, Owaisi said, "This whole controversy is totally uncalled for and unnecessary. I would request the political parties not to use the Muslim community and Ramzan. One must understand that Ramzan will start in India around May 5 depending on Moon sighting. In the country, the election process has to be completed by June 3. Hence, elections have to be there during the Ramzan. It is not possible to culminate elections by May 5."

Asserting that Muslims, keeping fast during the holy month, continue with their regular schedule of work, Owaisi said: "Muslims will definitely fast in Ramzan and will keep doing their regular work during the fast. They go out and lead a normal life. They work and go to the office. My analysis is that this month which increases spiritualism in Muslims will lead to more voting percentage because I will be free from worldly duties." "Throughout India wherever the elections are being held during Ramzan, Muslims will vote in higher percentage and will defeat the evil forces," he added.

Ramzan, observed by Muslims as a month of fasting, is likely to coincide with the seven-phase election schedule. 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.

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.

(With inputs from agencies.)