AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi expressed criticism towards the central government's decision to declare January 22 as a half-day for all central government offices, institutions, and industrial establishments across India to observe the Pran Pratishtha of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Owaisi characterized this move as an act of "majority appeasement," asserting that it raises concerns about the principle of equal development for all, except the majority community.
Asaduddin Owaisi drew attention to past instances where decisions made by authorities were perceived as affecting minority communities negatively. He referenced the cancellation of the Eid Milad-un-Nabi holiday by a BJP state government and the elimination of a 30-minute break on Fridays for namaz by a constitutional authority. The former incident occurred in 2017 when Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath canceled 15 public holidays, including Eid Milad-un-Nabi, a day commemorating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. The latter pertains to the decision by Rajya Sabha Chairman Jadgeep Dhankar in December 2023 to shift the post-lunch session timing on Fridays to align with the Lok Sabha schedule, thereby reducing the time for Muslim MPs to offer prayers.
Drawing parallels with these instances, Owaisi contended that the central government's decision to grant a half-day on January 22 could be viewed through the lens of "Development for all, appeasement for none (except the majority)."
The forthcoming Pran Pratishtha on January 22, to be led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is anticipated to witness the participation of over 7,000 individuals, including politicians, celebrities, industrialists, and saints. The installation of the idol of Ram Lalla inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Ram Mandir was carried out with elaborate rituals and mantras. A series of rituals leading up to the consecration ceremony will persist until the eve of the event.
