TMC questions EC decision on 7-phase vote in Bengal

TMC questions EC decision on 7-phase vote in Bengal

Partha Chatterjee. (Photo: IANS)

Kolkata, March 11 (IANS) Continuing to take pot shots at the Election Commission for announcing a seven-phase staggered poll schedule in West Bengal, the ruling Trinamool Congress, here on Monday, alleged that the panel has failed to take into account the sultry summer and the "rituals" of the people.

Trinamool Secretary General Partha Chatterjee was apparently hinting at the Muslim holy month of Ramadan that will start from May 5 and end on June 4 while the seven-phase polls in Bengal will begin on April 11 and conclude over a month later on May 19.

Chaterjee was interacting with media after an all-party meeting called by Chief Electoral Officer Aariz Aftab.

"I want to know what forced them to conduct the election from April 11 to May 19 and how come our state gets a 7-phase election. The Election Commission has not paid heed to the rituals of common people. Also, they have not taken into account the sultry summer days in the state," said Chatterjee.

Chatterjee said there is a four-day holiday from March 20 to 23 when the polling process for the first and second phase would be on. "Because of the holidays, the candidates would be hard pressed for time, as they will have to do all the work and submit the affidavit in a week," he said.

--IANS

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