Union minister criticises choice of panchayat poll date

Union minister of state for Health Abu Hasem Chowdhury today criticised state government's choice of dates for the third phase of panchayat elections saying it did not pay heed to the religious sentiment of people.
The minister said, while Rath Yatra festival is on July 10 and the holy month of Ramazan starts on July 11, the choice of July 10 was inappropriate.
The state government's days are "numbered" due to its overall performance in the past two years, Chowdhury told a meeting of the Malda branch of Confederation of State Government Employees.
Describing Congress' stand vis-a-vis the Trinamool Congress, he said Congress would not sacrifice its self-respect and asked employees to protest against wrong-doings and corruption.

The state government has suggested to the SEC that panchayat polls be held on July 2, 6 and 10 respectively.