BJP wants extra hour to vote as V-day clashes with weddings

Netas urge Election Commission to extend polling time on April 24, due to large number of weddings scheduled on the day when Mumbai casts the ballot

The Election Commission has been urged to extend polling time by at least one hour in view of a large number of weddings scheduled on April 24, the day of voting in Mumbai.

If the EC decides to accept the demand, timings for voting in Mumbai could be extended by one hour, making the polling a 12-hour-long exercise, from 7 am to 7 pm.

A BJP delegation which had a meeting with chief election commissioner V M Sampath on Thursday demanded an extra hour for voting.

“Since weddings assume priority as an important ritual where families and friends turn up in large numbers, an extra hour to facilitate voting is justifiable,” said BJP city unit chief Ashish Shelar.

April 24 has a large number of weddings scheduled, as it is astrologically opportune for nuptials. “Even party workers have pointed out the possible fallout of weddings on the polling.

The EC has assured a sympathetic view on our plea,” Shelar said. He added that the delegation also asked the EC to direct the government to desist from carrying out development work and charming voters with it.

April 24 has a large number of weddings scheduled, as it is astrologically opportune for nuptials. Pic for representation

Shelar said, “Besides, the BJP delegation urged the panel to ask the state government to stay the public works being carried out through MP and MLA funds and special funds doled out by the state to ruling-party legislators and MPs.

These funds are being utilised for development of basic facilities in slum pockets to construct community centres, sanitation facilities, roads, nullahs, toilet blocks and street lighting.

The ruling party leaders are trying to impress voters from slum pockets, saying these works were being carried out due to their special efforts. It is going to impact campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections,” Shelar said.

The state has in recent months released approximately Rs 250 crore to the Mumbai Slum Improvement Board for the works recommended by ruling party legislators. Besides, Rs 2 crore each have been allotted to six MPs from Mumbai after they demanded the funds for similar works.

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