Ramzan poll controversy uncalled for; don't use Muslims for political reasons: Owaisi

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi asked parties to desist from using Muslims and Ramzan for political reasons. The statement comes in the backdrop of a TMC leader raking up a storm with his claim that the Lok Sabha elections, scheduled in the state at the same time as Ramzan, will reduce minority voter turnout. 

"This whole controversy is totally uncalled for and unnecessary. I would earnestly request those political parties, please don't use the Muslim community and Ramzan for whatever reasons you have," ANI quoted the Hyderabad MP. 

"Muslims will definitely fast in Ramzan, they go out and lead a normal life, and they go to the office. Even the poorest of the poor will also fast. My analysis is that this month [Ramzan] will lead to more voting percentage because one will be free from all worldly duties," he said.

On Monday, Kolkata Mayor and TMC minister Firhad Hakim brought up the issue of the election schedule clashing with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and alleged the Modi government “did not want minorities to vote” in large numbers.

Hakim was quoted by ANI as saying, “Election Commission is a constitutional body and we respect them. We don't want to say anything against them. But seven-phase election will be tough for people in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. It'll be most difficult for those who will be observing Ramzan at that time.”

Adding to his arguments on the states of West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Hakim claimed the “minority population in these three states is quite high. They'll cast votes by observing 'roza'. EC should have kept this in mind.” Only these three states will have voting across all seven phases of the Lok Sabha elections.