7-phase Lok Sabha polls schedule to satisfy BJP: Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday asked why the Lok Sabha polls are being conducted in seven phases amid severe heatwave across the country and alleged that the schedule for the elections was designed to "satisfy the BJP".

Addressing a rally for Trinamool's Bolpur candidate Asit Mal, she claimed: "Earlier, the poll process used to be over by May 2 or 3, but this year they have stretched it for three months, amid severe weather conditions."

"Election Commission has planned polls for three months to satisfy BJP," she said, adding her motto was "to defeat BJP". She said she was facing difficult time traveling in chopper due to extreme heat but has no other option.