Chennai: Days after Trinamool Congress (TMC) objected to the Lok Sabha poll 2019 dates coinciding with Ramzan, the Christian community in Tamil Nadu has now raised a concern that the members of the community might not be able to participate in general elections as the poll date coincides with Maundy Thursday. Tamil Nadu Bishops' Council has written to the State Election Commissioner seeking change in the polling date for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. 

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It is to be noted that the letter, written by Rev DR Antony Pappusamy cited that because polling dates — April 18 — in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coincide with Maundy Thursday, many teachers, who are assigned polling duty, may not be able to attend religious services. The letter also states that many of the polling stations in the state are in schools which come under church campuses, which will also cause inconvenience to the members of the Christian community.

However, the Election Commission has yet not responded to the letter, a similar objection was also raised by members of the Muslim community, which cited that the general election schedule in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal coincides with the holy month of Ramzan. TMC had also attempted to politicise the issue by citing that the Lok Sabha poll schedule was a 'conspiracy' against the Muslim community.

Similarly, political leaders in Madurai had recently approached the EC citing that the poll dates coincide with the popular Chithirai festival for which people from across the state flock to the city. The EC, however, replied saying that the poll dates cannot be changed. The poll body also promised that additional security should be provided at polling stations during the festival month. 

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