New Delhi: The Congress and other Opposition parties have criticised the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls, from April 19 to June 1, announced by the Election Commission of India on Saturday, saying that it is likely to help the BJP.

Trinamool Congress has also said that the poll body overlooked its suggestion to hold the general elections in the state in two or three phases and instead announced voting in seven phases.

It alleged that such an arrangement is likely to benefit only “parties with deeper pockets”.

Notably, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, both under the ruling NDA, will also vote in seven phases.

The 44-day voting period will be the second-longest since the first Lok Sabha election in 1951-52, which extended over a span of four months.

After the announcement of the poll schedule, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will open the door for ‘Nyay’ (justice) for India, making a reference to its schemes.

"2024 Lok Sabha elections will open the 'Door of NYAY' for India. This would be perhaps the last chance to save Democracy and our Constitution from Dictatorship. 'We the people of India' will together fight against hatred, loot, unemployment, price rise and atrocities," he posted.

According to media reports, Kharge said that the polls could have been completed in three or four phases and a seven-phase poll only means that it would allow Prime Minister Narendra Modi to campaign across India.

He also said that an extended poll schedule also means that all development works would halt for the next 70-80 days as the model code of conduct would come into effect from Saturday. Kharge said such a long pause in development works would deeply impact the country’s progress.

In his political career with experience of contesting nearly 12 elections, he has never seen elections being held over such a long time, he added.