Ramadan 2026: Two States Announce Special Exemptions for Muslim Employees

Ramadan 2026: A decision by the Telangana government regarding Ramadan has sparked controversy. The holy month of Ramadan begins in India on February 19th. The Telangana government has decided to allow Muslim employees to leave the office one hour early. Saints from Ayodhya have called this decision an affront to Hindus.

The Telangana government has announced that all Muslim government employees will be allowed to go to prayer an hour early during Ramadan. This decision has been met with protests, which have been described as anti-religious and discriminatory. The Telangana government has issued similar regulations in previous years, reflecting a long-standing tradition of ensuring that Muslim employees can perform their religious responsibilities without compromising their professional duties. This year, the holy month of Ramadan begins today, February 18, 2026, and will last for approximately 29 to 30 days.

Deveshacharya Maharaj of Siddhpeeth Hanumangarhi said this decision is an abuse of Hindus. By giving special concessions to Muslims, efforts are being made to promote them. The government there is taking such decisions to please the Muslim vote bank. He questioned the Telangana government, will they do the same with Hindus? No, they will not. From Navratri to Sawan, many Hindu festivals fall. The government will not give any holiday or relaxation on any festival, instead it will work to cancel the holidays. Just a few months ago, Telangana had cancelled some holidays for Hindu festivals. This decision is condemnable and unfortunate.

Ayodhya Dham Mahant Sitaram Das of the Saket Bhavan Temple said that this decision by the Telangana government reflects the politics of appeasement, which is highly condemnable. They attack Sanatan Dharma festivals, but to appease a particular community and for vote bank politics, they cross all limits. Our question is, does work stop in government offices after 4 pm? This is very sad because these people do nothing like this for Sanatan Dharma festivals, but they have immense love for a particular community.

Andhra Pradesh

The Andhra Pradesh government has issued similar orders. According to Minority Welfare Minister N.M.D. Farooq, the exemption will be in effect in the state from February 18 to March 19, 2026 . This order applies to all departments, including personnel working in village and ward secretariats (Swarnagram and Swarnavarda secretariats). The government clarified that all eligible employees, except those in emergency services, will be allowed to leave one hour before official time.

However, the BJP has a different opinion on this matter. Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister SP Singh Baghel said, “Thirty days is a long time. Although the month of Ramadan is a very holy month, personally, I believe that work is worship. It is a form of devotion. Therefore, if I don’t just ring the bell but actually work for the people, I feel better. Giving such a long exemption is to appease Muslim voters.”