New Delhi, Feb 18 (IANS): Telangana government's decision to allow Muslim employees to leave work an hour earlier during Ramzan month has received mixed reactions from the political class. While BJP termed it a new ploy of appeasement, others welcomed the move and also demanded that similar measures be implemented across the country.
Speaking to IANS, Congress leader TS Singh Deo emphasized the importance of accommodating religious practices, suggesting that such arrangements should be made for all religious festivals, not just Ramzan.
“There’s no harm in it,” he stated.
“It’s a step towards ensuring that everyone can observe their religious practices, whether it’s for Muslims, Hindus, or others.”
Maharashtra Congress MLA Amin Patel also welcomed the move by the Telangana government, and urged that such arrangements should be extended for all faiths, across the country.
“Ramzan is a holy month for the Muslim community. This initiative is important, and it should be implemented nationwide,” he said.
AIMIM leader Waris Pathan also weighed in, defending the decision and criticising BJP’s opposition.
“It’s just one hour for Muslims to break their fast, and the BJP is making a fuss over it,” he said.
“Why is there a problem with giving them just one hour? This is an example of hate and intolerance.”
While the move has been lauded by Congress and AIMIM, the BJP has slammed it, accusing the Congress-led Telangana government of “appeasement politics.”
BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya took to X to call the decision 'tokenism,' arguing that similar considerations for Hindus during Navratri or other religious events were never offered.
The work hours relaxation will kick in on March 2 and run through March 31.
During the month-long Ramazan, Muslims observe fasting from dawn till sunset. As part of religious practice, they refrain from eating or drinking water during the day hours.
The fast is broken at the end of the day with prayer and a festive meal called 'iftar'. It is customary to visit family and friends following the iftar.