Mumbai: After attacking the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday, Shiv Sena on Tuesday lashed out at the Congress government in Uttarakhand for allowing Muslim employees in state services a 90-minute break for their Friday prayers. The party alleged that the decision was taken only to reap political benefits and urged the Election Commission to take note of the same as polls are due in Uttarakhand next year.
The editorial in the party mouthpiece, Saamana, said, “Elections in Uttarakhand are round-the-corner and if the government has taken the decision to appease Muslim voters, the Election Commission should take notice of its decision.”
“If a break can be given to Muslims to offer prayers, a similar facility should be provided to Hindu employees for their prayers and fasts. Special privileges in the name of religion to government employees is a sign of deceit,” it said.
Shiv Sena further said that while Hindus got stuck with restrictions from administration, Muslims, in the name of votes, were being given preferential treatment. “The Supreme Court, in the case of an Air Force officer, has clearly stated that religious activities for government work cannot be allowed. Yet, the Uttarakhand government chose to take this decision,” read the editorial.
The Uttarakhand government recently announced a special 90-minute break for Muslim employees to offer Friday prayers. A cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister Harish Rawat decided on the special break from 12.30 pm to 2 pm every Friday.
