Hyderabad: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday criticised the recent Government Order issued by the GAD (Poll.B) Dept. Memo #677/Poll.B/26, Dt 17/02/2026, Telangana Government permitting Muslim employees to leave office an hour early during Ramzan to break their fast and offer prayers.
In a statement, the BJP State Chief Spokesperson and Media In-charge N V Subash said that while no one objects to facilitating religious observances, the Congress government must ensure equal treatment to all communities.
“Extending such a concession to employees observing Ramzan may not, in isolation, invite criticism. However, the same courtesies should also be extended to the majority Hindu community during periods such as Ayyappa Deeksha or other significant religious
observances,” Subash said.
He argued that selective concessions risk creating a perception of discrimination. “There have been instances where Hindu employees observing Ayyappa Deeksha were discouraged from attending work in traditional black attire, and restrictions are frequently imposed on Hindu festivals, particularly during Ganesh Festival and Deepavali with limitations on firecrackers.
Such actions strengthen the sentiment among the majority community that their religious practices are subjected to greater scrutiny,” he added.
Subash stated that true secularism lies in equal respect and equal facilitation for all faiths. “In BJP-ruled states, governments strive to treat all communities equally by enabling them to celebrate their festivals without bias. Secularism must not become selective accommodation,” he said.
The BJP leader further urged the government led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to adopt a uniform policy framework that ensures parity in extending religious concessions. “If similar considerations are shown during Ramzan, they must also be extended during major Hindu observances. Equality before law and governance cannot be compromised,” he asserted.
Subash also referred to past remarks attributed to the Chief Minister, stating that political messaging must avoid reinforcing perceptions of community-based preference.
“When public statements are made dismissing labels such as ‘Revanthuddin’ or the notion that ‘Congress is for Muslims and Muslims for Congress,’ the government’s actions must align with constitutional secularism. Otherwise, it only fuels public suspicion,” he said.
The BJP demanded that the state government clarify whether it intends to implement a uniform policy on religious accommodations for employees across communities, maintaining that governance must be neutral, transparent and consistent.
