Wed Feb 19 02:17:42 UTC 2025: ## Telangana Government Allows Muslim Employees Early Leave for Ramzan, Sparking BJP Criticism

**Hyderabad, February 19, 2025** – The Telangana government has issued a circular granting Muslim employees an hour of early leave during the month of Ramzan, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The circular, effective March 2nd to 31st, permits all Muslim government employees, including contract and outsourced staff, to leave work at 4 p.m., unless their presence is urgently required.

BJP MLA Raja Singh condemned the move as “appeasement politics,” questioning why similar concessions aren’t offered during Hindu festivals. He highlighted the perceived disparity on social media platform X.

However, Telangana’s advisor on minority affairs, Mohammed Ali Shabbir, countered that this practice is not new and has been implemented under previous governments, including BJP administrations in other states. He emphasized that the government provides similar facilitations during other festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Bonalu.

Union Minister of State for Home, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, echoed the BJP’s criticism, highlighting the lack of similar exemptions for Hindu devotees observing Ayyappa Deeksha, a 41-day religious vow. He questioned the selective nature of the leave policy.

State Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, meanwhile, held a meeting to ensure smooth essential services, including electricity and sanitation, in Hyderabad during Ramzan. He reiterated the government’s commitment to treating all citizens equally and compassionately. Shabbir also expressed support for extending late-night business hours during Ramzan, suggesting a potential future policy change from the Labour department. The debate continues over the fairness and implications of the early leave policy.

Read More