Telangana Govt grants early leave for Muslim employees during Ramzan, BJP criticizes 'appeasement'

In a significant move to accommodate religious observances during the holy month of Ramzan, the Telangana government has issued a directive allowing Muslim employees in government departments, public sector units, and educational institutions to leave work an hour earlier. The new rule, which will be in effect from March 2 to March 31, allows Muslim employees to leave their offices at 4:00 PM instead of the regular 5:00 PM.

The decision applies to Muslim employees across various sectors, including teachers, contract workers, outsourcing staff, and those employed in boards, corporations, and public sector undertakings. The move was made following a request from the Telangana State Minority Employees Service Association, with the government emphasizing its intent to support employees in observing their religious duties and prayers during the fasting month.

The official circular issued by the Telangana government specifies that the early leave will be permitted unless the employee’s presence is required due to exigencies of service. The government also clarified that the rule applies only during the month of Ramzan, from the second day of March through the end of the month.

The announcement has, however, triggered a wave of criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Party leaders have accused the Telangana government of engaging in "appeasement politics" aimed at securing Muslim votes. BJP MLA T Raja Singh expressed disapproval, claiming that the Congress-led government had only gained power by relying on Muslim support, and criticized the move as an example of appeasing one community while ignoring others. Singh stated, "Equal rights for all, or none."

BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya also voiced his concerns on social media, accusing the Telangana government of tokenism. Malviya questioned why similar concessions were not extended to Hindus during their fasting periods in festivals like Navratri. He referred to the move as an effort to reduce religious observances to mere vote-bank politics, calling for the decision to be opposed.

In defense of the government’s decision, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Syed Nizamuddin argued that the BJP’s criticisms were misleading. Nizamuddin pointed to the extended 13-day holiday given for Dussehra as evidence of the government's respect for all religious observances. He emphasized that the government’s actions were aimed at accommodating various festivals and practices equally.

The Telangana government has reiterated that the early leave is in line with its commitment to supporting religious and cultural practices, noting that similar efforts have been made for other festivals as well. The government has stated that the move was made after considering the requests from employees and to ensure their ability to fulfill their religious obligations during Ramzan.