Stars are the limit: Announcement of poll schedule during Rahulalam worries netas

Vijayawada: When political parties are finalising candidates for Lok Sabha and assembly polls in Andhra Pradesh, a few politicians are worried over the ‘muhurat’ (the auspicious time) to kickstart campaigning. The political season has increased the demand for astrologers, what with politicians seeking to finalise the muhurat to file nominations and start campaigning in their respective constituencies.
Some astrologers are reportedly unhappy with the election schedule and the time at which it was announced.
“The Election Commission of India announced the schedule at around 5 pm on Sunday, which fell in Rahukalam time. This is likely to have an adverse impact on a few politicians with Rahu dosha,” said M Rama Phani Sharma, a city-based astrologer.
Polling starts during ‘Yamaganda’ at around 7 am on April 11 and many aspirants are worried about this, he said.
Majority of the aspirants are willing to file nominations on March 22, which is ‘Chaitra Suddha Vidhiya’.
Kesineni Srinivas (Nani) is likely to file nomination for Vijayawada Parliamentary seat on March 22 along with other MLA candidates from the city.
Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan are likely to announce the list of candidates on Thursday, based on the muhurat.
Meanwhile, atheist organisations are requesting politicians to work to serve the public rather than wait for muhurats.
“Astrology is illogical and it is a false belief. Any time is good for doing good things and delaying works in the name of muhurat is not good,” said G Samaram, head of an atheist center.