Telangana Ramzan Order Sparks BJP Demand for Hindu Concessions

A political controversy has erupted in Telangana after the state government permitted Muslim employees to leave offices early during the holy month of Ramzan . The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly objected to the decision, demanding that similar concessions be extended to employees of all religions in the interest of equality .

Under a government order issued earlier this week, Muslim employees are allowed to leave offices at 4 p.m. from February 19 to March 20 to facilitate evening prayers and fasting observances. The relaxation does not apply where essential services require staff presence. The move is intended to help employees observe religious duties during the fasting month.

However, the decision has triggered criticism from the BJP and some Hindu groups, who argue that selective concessions may create perceptions of discrimination . Telangana BJP chief spokesperson N.V. Subhash said religious accommodations should be extended uniformly to all communities. He noted that Hindu employees observing the Ayyappa Deeksha sometimes face difficulties attending offices in traditional black attire and alleged that restrictions are often imposed during Hindu festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali .

Subhash clarified that the party does not oppose facilitating religious practices but stressed that equal respect must be shown to every faith. He stated that true secularism lies in equal respect and facilitation for all religions, urging the government to adopt a uniform policy framework ensuring parity in religious concessions.

The BJP has also urged the Congress government led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to ensure its actions align with constitutional secularism and do not create perceptions of favoritism. The party referenced the Chief Minister’s earlier remark linking the Congress with Muslim support, which had drawn criticism from political opponents and intensified political tensions in the state.