The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announced that Muslim employees could leave work an hour in advance during the holy month of Ramadan. This decision came a few days after the Congress -led government issued a similar instruction in the neighboring state of Telangana, which the BJP had called and criticized by the BJP.
The Telangana government had earlier allowed Muslim employees including teachers, contract employees and public sector employees to leave from March 2 to March 31 at 4 pm, but except for necessary works.
BJP accused
BJP MLA Raja Singh questioned the decision of the state government and criticized the move. Along with this, accused the Congress of biased. He issued a circular on social media, saying, “The Telangana government gives quick leave for Ramadan, but ignores Hindu festivals. Equal rights for all, or not for anyone.”
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Andhra Pradesh government takes a similar decision
However, an interesting aspect was seen when Andhra Pradesh has made almost a similar announcement. BJP’s ally TDP is in power in this state. According to the state instructions, all Muslim employees are allowed to go one hour before the end of work from March 2 to March 30 to perform religious rituals. Exempted employees include contract workers and employees working in village and ward secretariats.
Defending Telangana’s move, Congress leader and state government advisor Mohammad Ali Shabbir on minority matters rejected the BJP’s criticism as selected. He said, “This facility was provided during BRS rule.
Mohammad Ali Shabbir further said that many BJP governments also provide this facility in other states. This is not new and it is applicable for many years. Governments regularly give exemption during festivals, including Hindu festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Bonalu.