BENGALURU: A fresh political controversy has erupted in Karnataka after the Congress-led state government revised school timings for Urdu-medium institutions during the holy month of Ramzan. The order, which mandates that Urdu primary and high schools function only from 8 a.m. to 12.45 p.m. for nearly a month, has triggered sharp criticism from opposition parties, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has termed the move a clear case of “minority appeasement”.
The Directorate of Urdu and Minority Language Schools recently issued a circular stating that all government, aided, and unaided Urdu-medium schools across Karnataka would operate on shortened timings from the beginning of Ramzan till March 20, 2026. The decision has been taken citing an old-standing order from 2002 that allows special timings during the fasting month to accommodate Muslim students and teachers.
While the government has defended the decision as a routine administrative step aimed at helping fasting students and staff, the BJP has launched a scathing attack, alleging that the Congress government is once again indulging in vote-bank politics.
BJP leaders argue that such relaxations are selectively provided only for one community, while similar considerations are never extended to Hindu festivals or other religious occasions. They claim that the order violates the spirit of equality and exposes the Congress party’s “double standards”.
“This is nothing but outright appeasement,” said BJP national spokesman Shehjad Poonewala. He said, “Will the Karnataka government take similar steps during Hindu festivals like Navratri, Shivaratri or Ganesh Chaturthi? Why are only Urdu schools being given special treatment? This proves that Congress puts its vote bank above education and equality.”
He further alleged that the Siddaramaiah government is more concerned about pleasing a particular community than ensuring uniform policies for all citizens. “Congress has repeatedly shown that it stands with one section and ignores others. This decision sends a message that Karnataka is being run on religious lines, not constitutional principles,” he said.
Several BJP leaders in the state echoed similar sentiments. According to them, altering school schedules exclusively for one community sets a dangerous precedent and could lead to further demands based on religious grounds.
“The government says it wants equality and secularism, but its actions reflect the opposite. If students of one faith get special concessions, what about others who also observe fasts and religious rituals?” questioned a senior BJP MLC C T Ravi.
The opposition has also pointed out that the order permits Muslim students and staff to leave half an hour early during Ramzan, further reinforcing allegations of preferential treatment.
Critics argue that instead of focusing on improving the quality of education and addressing issues like poor infrastructure, teacher shortages and learning gaps, the Congress government is busy making politically motivated decisions.
“Education policies should be based on academic needs, not religious considerations. By mixing religion with schooling, the government is sending out the wrong message to young minds,” said an education activist aligned with the BJP.
However, the state government has strongly rejected the accusations. Home Minister G. Parameshwara dismissed BJP’s criticism as “communal politics”, saying the timing change is an old practice followed for decades.
“These people have been neglected for centuries. If we take small steps to accommodate them, BJP calls it appeasement. They are against treating everyone equally,” Parameshwara said.
Despite the government’s defence, the issue continues to dominate political discourse in Karnataka. Many parents and teachers have expressed mixed reactions, with some welcoming the decision as humane, while others feel that education should remain uniform for all.
Political analysts say the row is likely to escalate further as BJP plans statewide protests against the order. The party has warned that it will not allow what it calls “religious discrimination in the education system”.
