Uttarakhand to Give Prayer Breaks To Muslim Staff, Shiv Sena Fumes

The Sena asked if a similar facility will be provided to Hindus as well, accusing the govt of preferential treatment

Uttarakhand CM Harish Rawat’s government is facing oppositions flak for agreeing to a 90-minute prayer break to Muslim employees. (Photo: PTI)

The Shiv Sena on Tuesday hit out at the Congress government in Uttarakhand for its decision to give a 90-minute break to Muslim employees in the state service for Friday prayers, and sought to know if similar concessions would be provided to Hindus as well.

The NDA constituent alleged that the decision was taken only to reap political benefits and wanted the Election Commission to take note of it since polls are due in the state next year.

A cabinet meeting on Saturday chaired by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat decided that a special 90-minute break from 12:30 pm to 2 pm will be given to Muslim employees every Friday.

“Similar Facility Should Be Given to Hindu Workers”

“The elections in Uttarakhand are around the corner and if the government has taken the decision to appease Muslim voters, the Election Commission should take notice of the state government's decision,” an editorial in Sena's mouthpiece Saamana said.

“If a break can be given to Muslims to offer their prayers, then 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,” the party said.

The Sena also said that while Hindus get stuck with restrictions from the administration, the Muslims, in the name of votes, are given preferential treatment.

(With inputs from PTI)