Nothing wrong in holding Lok Sabha elections during Ramzan, says Asaduddin Owaisi

NEW DELHI: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday came down hard on parties for triggering an unnecessary controversy over the Lok Sabha polls being held during the holy month of Ramzan. The Hyderabad MP said Lok Sabha elections during Ramzan would have no impact on the voter turnout. "When Muslims fast they also go to offices and do their business. There are also labourers, rickshaw drivers and rickshaw pullers who fast. Their normal activity does not get affected," Owaisi said. Owaisi said since the states going to the polls during Ramzan will have a holiday on the day of polling, there would be no problem in Muslims casting their votes. "In fact during Ramzan they will be free from daily routine of cooking food and eating lunch." "This whole controversy is totally uncalled for and unnecessary. I would earnestly request those political parties that please don't use the Muslim community and Ramzan for whatever reasons you have," he said. Owaisi said as the electoral process has to be completed by June 3 and if Ramzan starts on May 5 and ends on June 4, the Election Commission has no option but to hold elections during the period. He said it was wrong to say that because of Ramzan the polling percentage will be low. "I am telling you as a Muslim that my spiritualism and my nearness to Almighty Allah increases during Ramzan." He found fault with the political parties raking up a controversy, saying they should not use Muslims for their political ends. "As a party you should be ready for whatever the requirements may be. If you are so worried what have you done for the community. Show your record." Owaisi was reacting to reports that some Muslim leaders expressed dismay over the schedule announced by the Election Commission for the Lok Sabha elections with the three final phases falling during Ramzan. AAP leader Amanatullah Khan had tweeted Sunday that elections will be held in Delhi on May 12, when Muslims will be observing Ramzan. "There will be less polling among Muslims, and it will directly benefit the BJP," he had said. Some leaders of the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal had also spoken on similar lines. Reacting to the controversy, the Election Commission had said that polls are conducted during Ramzan as an entire month cannot be excluded from the schedule. However, dates of main festivals and Fridays are avoided as poll days, it added. (With inputs from agencies)