Dehradun, June 23 -- The Opposition Congress on Sunday questioned the schedule of the three-tier panchayat elections and alleged that the elections were fixed in two phases to benefit the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "It is for the first time in Uttarakhand that panchayat elections are being held in two phases. It is an indication that everything is not normal. Four lakh (400,000) votes have been added in the voter lists. It also raises suspicion and is a matter of consideration, It has been scheduled in two phases to benefit BJP," said Karan Mahara, state Congress president. Questioning the reason for some seats being reserved for different categories, he said: "Many panchayat seats remained unreserved for three consecutive terms, while others were reserved for the same duration. The issue of seat reservation is currently pending in the Nainital high court and is scheduled for hearing on June 23. It is clear tinkering with democratic process. All communities should get the opportunity of representation," he said. Mahara further said that questions were raised on the functioning of the election in Maharashtra and "same situation is being seen in Uttarakhand". "The way civic polls were influenced, efforts are being made to influence the panchayat elections," he alleged. He emphasised that the Congress will fight the panchayat elections will full strength and vigour. Reacting to Mahara's remarks, state BJP media in charge Manveer Singh Chauhan said, "It is nothing but frustration of the impending loss in the panchayat elections. They (Congress) know that they are staring at another defeat. They just politicise every issue and say whatever comes to the mind. The people of the state will teach them a lesson once again." Uttarakhand state election commissioner Sushil Kumar didn't respond to calls despite repeated attempts. The three tier panchayat elections will be held in two phases across 12 districts, except Haridwar, state election commission announced on Saturday. As per the schedule, nominations will be accepted from June 25 to June 28. The scrutiny of nomination papers will be held from June 29 to July 1, Kumar added. The date for the withdrawal of nominations is July 2. The allotment of symbols for the first phase of elections will take place on July 3 and the second phase on July 8. According to the state election commission, across 89 development blocks in 12 districts,the elections will take place to elect 55,587 village panchayat members, 7,499 village panchayat heads (pradhans), 2,974 block development council members, and 358 district (zila) panchayat members. Over 4.777 million voters will exercise their franchise in the panchayat elections - an increase of 10.57% from 2019 panchayat elections. Of the total number of voters, 2.31 million are women voters, and 2.465 million are men....