Congress leader and MP K. C. Venugopal has questioned the schedule announced by the Election Commission of India for the upcoming assembly elections in five states and Union Territories. While expressing confidence about the party’s electoral prospects, he also raised concerns about the timing of the elections, particularly in Kerala.
Speaking after the announcement of the election dates, Venugopal said the Congress party is fully prepared for the upcoming electoral battle and is confident of securing victory.
“We are fully prepared and we are going to win the elections,” he said, while outlining the election timeline announced by the Election Commission.
Congress Questions Election Timing
Venugopal pointed out that the first phase of polling is scheduled for April 9. According to the election schedule, nomination filing will continue until March 23, scrutiny will take place on March 24 and candidates will have until March 26 to withdraw their nominations.
He noted that after the withdrawal deadline, political parties will get only around 11 days for campaigning before polling takes place.
The Congress leader questioned why the Election Commission did not announce the dates earlier, suggesting that the schedule leaves limited time for campaigning.
Concerns Over Kerala Poll Schedule
Venugopal also raised concerns about the timing of the election in Kerala, pointing out that important religious holidays such as Easter and Good Friday fall around the same period.
He said the Election Commission could have taken these factors into account while announcing the election dates.
“The Election Commission could have announced the dates earlier,” he said, questioning the reason for holding the elections in Kerala so early.
Questions Over Simultaneous Polling
The Congress leader further questioned why elections in Kerala are being held on the same day as polling in Assam and Puducherry.
According to him, the decision raises questions about the Commission’s intentions and has led to concerns among political observers.
Congress Expresses Confidence
Despite raising objections over the schedule, Venugopal said the Congress party remains confident about its performance in the upcoming elections.
He added that voters across the country are watching the situation closely and will ultimately decide the outcome through their votes.
The Election Commission recently announced polling schedules for assembly elections in several states and Union Territories, with vote counting set to take place on May 4. Political parties have now begun preparing their campaigns as the election season gathers momentum across the country.
