The Telangana government has announced a relaxation in work hours for Muslim employees during the holy month of Ramzan. As per an official circular issued by the General Administration Department, Muslim employees working in government departments, public sector units, and educational institutions will be allowed to leave work at 4:00 PM instead of the usual 5:00 PM. The rule will be in effect from March 2, 2025, to March 31, 2025, facilitating employees in fulfilling their religious obligations, including prayers and fasting rituals.
 

This decision applies to all Muslim employees, including teachers, contractual and outsourcing staff, and employees working in government boards and corporations. The move aligns with the state government’s approach to accommodating religious observances.However, the announcement has led to a political controversy, with BJP leaders accusing the Congress-led Telangana government of indulging in appeasement politics. BJP MLA T Raja Singh criticized the move, claiming that it was aimed at securing Muslim votes and could lead to religious polarization. Singh asserted that equal rights should be ensured for all citizens without favoritism.
 

BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya also criticized the decision on social media, arguing that similar concessions are not provided to Hindus during fasting periods like Navratri. He accused the government of using religious observances for political gain.In response, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Syed Nizamuddin defended the government’s move, calling BJP’s accusations misleading. He pointed out that the Telangana government ensures holiday considerations for all major festivals and cited the 13-day holiday granted during Dussehra. He argued that BJP was attempting to spread communal narratives to mislead the public.The decision has triggered a broader discussion on religious accommodations in government policies, with mixed reactions from different political and social groups.