(Image source from: economictimes.indiatimes.com)

AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi said controversy over elections dates coinciding with month of Ramzan, is totally uncalled for and unnecessary. In fact he welcomed the decision of Election Commission that it will lead more voting.

Talking to Reporters Owaisi said, "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.”

"Muslims will definitely fast in Ramzan. They go out and lead a normal life. My analysis is that this month (Ramzan) will lead to more voting percentage because one will be free from all worldly duties," the AIMIM Chief added.

The seven-phase election schedule coincide with Ramzan, observed by Muslims as a month of fasting.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and Kolkata Municipal Corporation Mayor Firhad Hakim said dates for Lok Sabha elections are clashing with Ramzan period.

He added that the commission announced the dates because the ruling party doesn’t want minorities to cast their votes.

"People will face problems in exercising their voting rights as some poll dates are clashing with Ramzan. Since the Election Commission is a constitutional body, I don’t want to comment much into the matter. But they should have considered that people will suffer during Ramzan (in casting votes)," he said.

TMC leader said. "EC has announced the poll dates on Ramzan so that minorities are unable to cast their votes. But we aren't worried. People are committed to BJP Hatao, Desh Bachao," he added.

By Sai Kumar