Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma on Tuesday accused the Opposition parties of using the Ramzan as an alibi to justify their imminent defeat in the Lok Sabha polls.
“Most of the Hindus observe fast on Tuesdays, while the Muslims hold special ‘jumma’ (prayer) on Friday. Does that mean there should be no voting on Tuesdays and Fridays? Sharma asked.
“Elections are also a type of ‘ibadat’ (worship). It is a type of puja. And it is the ‘ibaadat’ and ‘aradhana’ (worship) of the ‘rashtra’ (nation). If the elections are held in the period of Ramzan, then people will go out to vote with a pure mind and heart,” the BJP leader said.
Sharma’s statement comes against the backdrop of the TMC and the AAP claiming holding elections during Ramzan will inconvenience Muslims and help the BJP as the community is largely seen to be backing the Opposition parties against ruling alliance. “This is a political stunt of some people who have started searching grounds and possible reasons for their imminent defeat in the Lok Sabha elections. Now they cannot blame EVMs for defeats, so they are resorting to this (logic),” Sharma said.