Aizawl, Oct 10: Mizo National Front (MNF) and main opposition Congress on Monday opposed the date of counting for votes in the Assembly polls being fixed for December 3 as the day (Sunday) is a prayer day for Christians.
After ECI announced the polls and counting dates, both the Congress and MNF separately wrote letters to Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar to change the counting date.
State Congress chief Lalsawta, in his letter, said that Sunday is a sacred day for the people of Mizoram, which is devoted solely to the worship of God.
MNF General Secretary T. C. Kaphmingthanga, in a letter, also urged the CEC to change the date of the counting of votes.
“No official programmes or business are transacted on Sunday in Mizoram. We know that not only the Congress party but also the entire Christian community in Mizoram would not like the counting of votes to be held on Sunday. I, therefore, request that you to respect the sentiments of the Mizo people and fix the date for counting votes, preferably between Monday to Friday,” he said.
The last date for filing nominations is October 20; scrutiny of candidatures will take place on the next day, and the last date for withdrawing nominations is October 23.
The counting of votes would take place in all the five states on December 3.
