MUMBAI: Veteran lyricist-screenwriter Javed Akhtar has slammed those who are linking Ramzan with Lok Sabha polls and are trying to communalise it.
Calling the dates of national elections coinciding with Ramzan “totally disgusting”, Mr.Javed, a recipient of Padma Bhushan, in a tweet last night, said:
“I find this whole discussion about Ramzan and elections totally disgusting. This is the kind of distorted and convoluted version of secularism that to me is repulsive, revolting and intolerable,” adding that Election Commission “should not consider it for a second”.
I find this whole discussion about Ramzan and elections totally disgusting . This is the kind of distorted and convoluted version of secularism that to me is repulsive , revolting and intolerable . EC shouldn’t consider it for a second .
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) March 11, 2019
His remarks come a day after various political parties questioned the seven-phase Lok Sabha election dates being deliberately scheduled during Ramzan to exclude Muslim voters observing fast making it difficult for to cast votes.
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Meanwhile, Hyderabad parliamentarian and leader the AIMIM, Asaduddin Owaisi, also rubbished the controversy and had called it a “totally uncalled for and unnecessary controversy”.
“Fasting is obligatory on Muslims. We cook, work, clean and take care of our families while fasting. It’s an insult to Muslims to say that Ramzan will affect our voting. In Ramzan, Shaitan is enchained – inshallah one will use their vote to defeat his agents,” the parliamentarian had tweeted.
Fasting is obligatory on Muslims. We cook, work, clean & take care of our families while fasting. It’s an insult to Muslims to say that Ramzan will affect our voting.
In Ramzan, Shaitan is enchained – inshallah one will use their vote to defeat his agents pic.twitter.com/HxfmhHvzML
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) March 11, 2019
The Ramadan month starts on May 5 and will continue till June 4, and the last three phases of polling are scheduled on May 6, May 12 and May 19.