Hyderabad (Telangana), February 19: BJP spokesperson Prakash Reddy on Wednesday criticized the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments for allowing Muslim employees to leave work an hour early during Ramzan, calling it an act of appeasement.
While acknowledging the respect for the ‘Iftar’ practice, Reddy suggested that similar consideration should be given to Hindu festivals. He advocated for special leave during occasions like ‘Ayyappa Swamy Pooja’ for Hindu employees.
Speaking to ANI, Reddy said, “The Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments have permitted Muslim employees to leave offices and schools at 4 PM during Ramzan so they can attend ‘Iftar’. We respect this, but when Hindu festivals come around, both states, regardless of which party is in power, impose restrictions. When we respect one religion, we should also respect other faiths. Special leave should be granted to those attending ‘Ayyappa Swamy Pooja’. Unfortunately, both governments have been appeasing Muslims for decades.”
The Telangana Government issued an order allowing Muslim employees, teachers, and other public sector workers to leave work at 4 PM from March 2 to March 31 during the holy month of Ramzan, except in cases of urgent service requirements.
In response to the BJP’s criticism of Telangana’s decision, the Andhra Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP), also announced a similar policy allowing Muslim employees to leave work an hour early during Ramzan.
Congress MLA Abdur Rashid Mandal defended the decision, stating, “The decision is justified as people are not able to work smoothly in the evening hours during Ramzan. It will be a good decision if the Assam government also implements this.”