Karnataka School Timings Changed for Ramzan, BJP Calls It ‘Appeasement'

The Karnataka government just changed the school timings for Urdu-medium junior primary and secondary schools during Ramzan, and now there's another round of political sparring between Congress and the BJP.

According to a directive from the Directorate of Urdu and Other Minority Language Schools, these schools will now run from 8 am to 12:45 pm during the fasting month. The new hours kick in at the start of Ramzan, which should begin in mid-February, and stay in place until March 20.

BJP Slams the Decision

The BJP jumped in fast, accusing Congress of playing appeasement politics. Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, the Leader of Opposition in Karnataka's Legislative Council, demanded to know if the government would make similar changes for Hindu festivals.

Shehzad Poonawalla, the BJP's national spokesperson, also criticized the move. He asked if school hours would shift for festivals like Navratri and said this wasn't about good governance-just vote-bank politics.

Congress Fires Back

Home Minister G Parameshwara rejected the BJP's charges, calling the new timings a step toward inclusion and equality. He argued that these changes help address the social disadvantages that minorities have faced for years, and shouldn't become a political football.

State Minister Santosh Lad also brushed off the criticism, saying the BJP likes to pick on minority issues while ignoring bigger governance problems.

"They have bigger issues to talk about. They should talk about Iran. Instead, all they want to focus on is Urdu, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Muslims. Why are they selling fuel to Bangladesh for ₹50? Who's really doing the appeasement here?" Lad shot back.

VHP Weighs In

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) also joined the fray. Its national spokesperson, Vinod Bansal, said Karnataka was turning into a hub of what he called "extremist appeasement politics," and accused the government of letting religion shape school policy.

Tempers Flare Ahead of Ramzan

With Ramzan around the corner, this change has fired up another round of political bickering in the state. Congress insists the move is just an administrative step meant to be inclusive. The BJP and its allies see it as special treatment based on religion.