Kerala Muslim groups, Congress seek rescheduling of Lok Sabha polls
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In an appeal to the Election Commission of India, various Muslim groups in Kerala, alongside the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee, and Indian Union Muslim League have urged the Election Commission to reschedule the Lok Sabha elections slated for April 26, which is on Friday, a religiously significant day for Muslims.
Leaders from Muslim organizations, including the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), have voiced their apprehensions regarding the clash of the election day with Jumu'ah, the congregational Friday prayer observed by Muslims worldwide.
Expressing their concerns, Syed Muhammad Jifri Muthukkoya, President of Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, emphasized the significance of accommodating the religious obligations of Muslim voters and officials involved in the electoral process.
The call for rescheduling the polling day stems from the collective understanding that conducting elections on Friday could potentially deter participation and cause inconvenience to a significant portion of the electorate.
Moreover, the Indian Union Muslim League, a key ally of the opposition Congress party in the United Democratic Front (UDF), echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of Friday as a day of worship and communal gathering for Muslims across Kerala.
P M A Salam, the state general secretary of IUML, emphasized the need to address the concerns of voters, candidates, and officials alike, underscoring the inclusive nature of electoral procedures.
Adding to the chorus of voices advocating for a change in the polling date, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee acting president M M Hassan and opposition leader V D Satheesan reiterated the logistical challenges posed by holding elections on Fridays.
They emphasized the need for a polling schedule that ensures maximum participation without compromising on the religious practices and obligations of any community.
The Congress leaders further acknowledged the potential inconvenience posed by conducting elections on Fridays and Sundays, urging for a reconsideration of the polling dates to better accommodate the diverse religious and cultural fabric of Kerala.