In yet another instance of appeasement politics, the Congress government in Telangana led by CM Revanth Reddy has issued a circular on Febrary 15, allowing Muslim employees in government offices, schools, and public sector enterprises to leave an hour early at 4:00 PM throughout the month of Ramzan (March 2 – March 31, 2025) for prayers.
Signed by Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari, the circular states: “Government hereby permits all the Government Muslim employees/teachers/contract / out-sourcing / boards/corporations & public sector employees working in the State to leave their offices/schools at 4:00 PM during the holy month of ‘Ramzan’ to offer necessary prayers, except when their presence is required due to exigencies of services.”
The appeasement bug strikes the Congress government in Telangana, which has approved relaxed work hours for Muslim state employees during Ramzan. No such concessions are ever granted to Hindus when they fast during Navratri. This tokenism isn’t about being sensitive to the… pic.twitter.com/r2cw1NPGRj
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) February 18, 2025
The move raises serious concerns about fairness in governance. If government employees of one religion are granted special privileges, why is the same courtesy not extended to others during their religious festivals? Will Hindu employees be allowed to leave early during Vijayadashami/Navratri?
This decision also sparks a broader debate on Congress’ selective secularism, where policies are crafted to favour one community while ignoring others. The same government that imposes restrictions on Hindu processions in the name of “law and order” now goes out of its way to accommodate specific religious demands.
President and Vice Chairman TGMREIS Faheem Qureshi ji made an official visit to the famous Mosques of Hyderabad and reviewed the arrangements for Ramzan and asked the authorities to provide proper facilities and do the necessary renovation before the Ramzan starts and he ensured… pic.twitter.com/7CUbZnatrm
— Telangana Congress (@INCTelangana) February 18, 2025
Congress has long been accused of pandering to minority votes, and this move only reinforces that narrative. Just last year, Hindu processions during Ganesh Chaturthi and Ram Navami were heavily policed and restricted, citing “security concerns.” However, when it comes to facilitating religious practices of a particular community, the government suddenly becomes accommodating.
