Telangana CM and Ministers Miss Iftar Gathering After EC Denies Permission
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Synopsis
On March 26, Telangana's Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and his Cabinet members did not attend the state-hosted iftar party after the Election Commission denied their participation due to the Model Code of Conduct ahead of the Legislative Council elections. This decision sparked criticism regarding the government's spending on the event.
Key Takeaways
- Chief Minister and Cabinet skip Iftar party.
- Election Commission denies permission for attendance.
- Model Code of Conduct in effect due to upcoming elections.
- Criticism over Rs 70 crore spent on Iftar.
- Calls for funds to be redirected towards minority welfare.
Hyderabad, March 26 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Telangana, A. Revanth Reddy, along with his Cabinet members, opted out of the iftar gathering organized by the state government on Tuesday after the Election Commission denied permission for their attendance due to the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct ahead of the biennial elections for the Telangana Legislative Council.
Officials, including the Chief Minister, state ministers, MPs, and legislators, were expected to join the Iftar party and dinner held at L.B. Stadium in Hyderabad.
With the Model Code of Conduct implemented on Monday following the announcement of the election schedule for the Legislative Council from the Hyderabad Local Authorities’ Constituency, the state government sought clearance from the Election Commission of India to hold Iftar events throughout the state, including Hyderabad, and to allow participation from the Chief Minister, ministers, and other public officials.
However, the Election Commissioner communicated to the Chief Electoral Officer of Telangana that the request was not approved.
The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) shared with the media a copy of the correspondence received from the Election Commission.
Representatives from the minority welfare department and several minority institutions such as the Waqf Board, Haj Committee, and Urdu Academy were present at the Iftar.
Notable figures from various sectors were invited to this annual Iftar event.
Previously, the government faced criticism for allegedly spending Rs 70 crore on the Iftar party. Various Muslim organizations, including the Students Islamic Organisation (SIO), urged the government to allocate these funds for settling dues related to fee reimbursement for minority students instead.
The Welfare Party of India (WPI) called for a boycott of the Iftar gathering, citing unfulfilled promises from the Congress government and insufficient Muslim representation in the state cabinet.
Activists such as Lubna Sarwath, Anwarullah Khan, and Syed Ismail sent a letter to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, advocating for the reallocation of the Rs 70 crore budget for Iftar towards educational, employment, and empowerment initiatives for minorities.
The BJP also criticized the government for its decision to allocate Rs 70 crore for the Iftar event, pointing out that the administration claimed it lacked funds to pay government employees' salaries.
BJP leaders highlighted calls from within the Muslim community to redirect these funds towards educational and welfare programs.
