New Delhi is buzzing with a fresh demand from AIMIM’s Delhi unit president Shoaib Jamei. He has urged Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to allow Muslim government employees early dismissal from offices during Ramadan. Jamei argues this gesture would send a powerful message of inclusivity across the national capital.
Speaking exclusively to reporters, Jamei highlighted the daily struggles faced by Muslim staffers. ‘During Ramadan, our community members yearn to break their fast at home with family,’ he explained. ‘Delhi’s notorious evening traffic jams make it nearly impossible to reach on time without concessions in duty hours.’
He painted a vivid picture of the chaos: gridlocked roads stretching for miles, delaying iftar by precious minutes. Granting early leave, he insisted, would enable employees to honor their religious obligations without professional fallout.
Jamei didn’t stop there. He waded into the recent controversy at Ludhiana University over iftar arrangements for Kashmiri students. ‘What’s the fault of these young scholars?’ he questioned rhetorically. ‘They study across India—from South to North, including Jamia University. Fasting and iftar are sacred duties for Muslims. If we respect other faiths’ festivals, why draw lines here?’
Turning to Bihar’s ban on open meat and fish sales, Jamei dismissed religious angles. ‘This is purely a hygiene issue,’ he clarified. ‘But let’s be clear: nearly 90 percent of Hindus in the country consume fish and meat. Personal choices shouldn’t fuel division.’
In a sharp political jab, Jamei condemned Youth Congress protesters disrupting an AI summit. ‘If party high command knew in advance, it’s even more regrettable,’ he said. ‘Opposition has a role in democracy, but not at the cost of national embarrassment on global stages.’
Jamei revealed his own presence at the event, attending as a researcher with his AI-focused team. ‘We critiqued poor organization but never stooped to public spectacles,’ he noted. ‘International forums demand decorum—protests belong elsewhere, not on such platforms.’
As Ramadan approaches, Jamei’s call underscores ongoing debates on religious accommodations in public service. Will the Delhi government respond? Observers await clarity on balancing faith and duty in India’s diverse workplace.