CHENNAI: Indian Union Muslim League national president KM Kader Mohideen on Monday urged election authorities to avoid seizing cash carried by Muslims for the purpose of giving zakat and fitra, forms of obligatory charitable giving during Ramzan, as the Model Code of Conduct is in force for the Assembly election, which may affect the distribution of such religious offerings.
In a letter to Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik, he said the party appreciated the efforts of the Election Commission to conduct the Assembly election in the State fairly and assured the IUML's full cooperation to ensure that the poll is held peacefully.
Following the announcement of the election schedule, flying squads have been conducting vehicle checks across the State and taking action against those carrying more than Rs 50,000 in cash without documents. It has been widely reported that such checks have affected small traders and ordinary members of the public, he noted.
Kader Mohideen pointed out that during the month of Ramzan, Muslims fulfil their religious obligation of giving zakat and fitra to the poor. It is customary for many Muslims to distribute these alms during the last five days of Ramzan, he said.
He therefore requested the Chief Electoral Officer to issue appropriate instructions to flying squad officials to avoid confiscating cash carried for the purpose of giving zakat and fitra.
Stating that the request has been made on behalf of the Muslim community, he expressed confidence that the authorities would consider and implement it, and once again conveyed his wishes for the successful conduct of the election process.