The Andhra Pradesh government has allowed Muslim employees to leave work one hour early during Ramzan. Earlier, the Congress government in Telangana had also issued a similar order, which the BJP had termed as ‘politics of appeasement’.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government announced that Muslim employees can leave work an hour early during the holy month of Ramzan. The decision comes just days after the Congress-led government in neighbouring Telangana issued a similar directive, which the BJP criticised as “politics of appeasement”.
The Telangana government had earlier allowed Muslim employees, including teachers, contract workers and public sector employees, to go on leave at 4 pm from March 2 to March 31, except for essential work.
BJP MLA Raja Singh questioned the state government’s decision and criticized the move. Along with this, he accused the Congress of being biased. He issued a circular on social media saying, “Telangana government gives early leave for Ramzan, but ignores Hindu festivals. Equal rights for all, or none.”
However, an interesting aspect was seen when Andhra Pradesh made a similar announcement. BJP’s ally TDP is in power in this state. According to the state’s directive, all Muslim employees are allowed to leave one hour before the end of work to perform religious rituals from March 2 to March 30. The employees getting exemption also include those working on contract and those working in village and ward secretariats.
Defending Telangana’s move, Congress leader and state government adviser on minority affairs Mohammed Ali Shabbir dismissed BJP’s criticism as selective outrage. He said, “This facility was given during BRS rule.Mohammad Ali Shabbir further said that many BJP governments also provide this facility in other states. This is nothing new and it has been in place for many years. Governments regularly provide discounts during festivals, including Hindu festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Bonalu.
Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi said, “The Telangana government has shown humanity, Muslims will pray for them. The Maharashtra government should do the same, the assembly will also be in session during the month of Ramzan. All governments should provide relief to Muslims during Ramzan.
