By IANS
Bengaluru, Feb 21 Hindu groups in Karnataka have objected to the request for granting a one-hour exemption from duty to government employees belonging to the Muslim community during the month of Ramzan.
Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Vice Presidents M.R.M. Hussain and Syed Ahmad recently wrote a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, requesting him to allow Muslim employees to perform prayers and break their fast by giving them one-hour exemption from duty.
The Karnataka government has yet to make a decision on the matter.
The demand was raised following similar announcements by the governments of neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which allowed Muslim employees to leave work early during the fasting month of Ramzan.
Pramod Muthalik, Chief of Sri Rama Sena, strongly opposed the request on Friday, stating, “The Constitution, drafted by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, grants equal freedom for the practice of all religions. India is a secular nation. However, making special arrangements for government employees of a particular religion is incorrect and condemnable. It would be wrong if the Karnataka government approves this demand.
“Will the government consider such special arrangements when Hindus observe fasts during Shivratri, Ekadashi, and other festivals?
“Today, they are asking for a one-hour exemption during Ramzan; tomorrow, they may demand exemptions from duty every Friday for prayers.”
This story was originally published in lokmattimes.com. Read the full story here.
