The Election Commission of India on Sunday, 10 March, announced the election dates for the 17th Lok Sabha polls which have been divided into seven phases. Polling will begin from 11 April and the results will be declared on 23 May.
As the EC made the announcement, a few Twitter users pointed out that the election dates coincide with the month of Ramadan, which is expected to begin from 5 May and ends on 4 June.
Users raised concerns that the last three phases of polling, which coincide with the holy month of Ramzan, are being held in a majority of north Indian states or the hindi-speaking belt.
Gaurav Pandhi✔@GauravPandhi
Observation: last 3 phase of elections (May 6, 12 & 19) coincides with Ramzan and are being held in North India only, primarily the Hindi belt, with West Bengal as an exception.
Is it done for purpose, expecting lesser Muslim participation during fasting period in hot summer?
Ayaz Mughal@Ayaz_MughalElection Dates are strategically fixed to clash with Ramzan to keep Muslims away from Booths.
Aam Aadmi Party leader Amanatullah Khan levelled allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP )and said that this will directly benefit them.
Amanatullah Khan AAP✔@KhanAmanatullah
12 मई का दिन होगा दिल्ली में रमज़ान होगा मुसलमान वोट कम करेगा इसका सीधा फायदा बीजेपी को होगा।
Kolkata Mayor and TMC leader Firhad Hakim also raised the issue and said that the elections will cause inconvenience to the people in the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, alleging a “conspiracy” to stop voters.
