BJP seeks to avoid Easter week polling in Karnataka

The BJP wants the polls to be rescheduled from April 17 to April 22 or 23.

Bangalore:  The Karnataka unit of the BJP has petitioned the Election Commission (EC) to change the April 17 polling day in the state, as it fears that a series of holidays will affect the voter turnout.

The BJP wants the polls to be rescheduled from April 17 to April 22 or 23. BJP leader and former minster S Suresh Kumar led a party delegation to the EC on Monday.

Pointing out that April 17, Maundy Thursday is followed by holidays in view of Good Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Kumar said April 14, too, is a holiday on account of Ambedkar Jayanti.

If people can take leave on April 15 and 16, they can avail of an eight-day holiday which will affect voter turnout, he said.

Only a week ago, the Church had sought a change in the poll date.

Archbishop of Bangalore Bernard Moras wrote to the ECI, seeking the rescheduling as April 17happened to be Maundy Thursday, which commemorates the last supper of Jesus Christ.

The Archbishop said the polling day will create a serious conflict between religious and constitutional duties of many Catholics, who may be deprived either of exercising their right to vote, or the obligatory religious services.

Source: Times of India