Now, Iftar Parties Get Political

What is the official significance of an Iftar party? Does it fall under the purview of the ministry of Minorities' Welfare, or that of the State Minorities Commission?

Simply speaking, an Iftar party is a social gathering wherein those observing roza during Ramzan break their fast while others share a date and dinner with them. Such Iftar parties have become quite commonplace, and are not confined to Muslims or minorities. Every section of the society organises them and participates in them.

However, certain political leaders, who are competing with each other to prove their proximity with Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, are trying to give a different meaning to an Iftar party to be hosted by him.

The State Minorities Commission, on Saturday, issued a note stating that Minorities Welfare minister Mohammad Ahmadullah and Minorities Commission chairman Abid Rasool Khan will be "reviewing the arrangements for the Iftar and dinner" being hosted by the Chief Minister at Nizam College Grounds on August 2, on July 29.

Now, while the minister and other officials reviewing arrangements for Eid prayers at Idgahs were common, but clearly, by reviewing Iftar party arrangements, both the minister and the Minorities Commission chairman are trying to add a meaningless responsibility to their protocol.

They have also called the officials to the venue to review the arrangements. What's more, the media has also been invited to cover this issue.

Although certain ministers used to review arrangements for Iftars hosted by Chief Ministers in the past, the activity was never given official significance. Iftars were always treated as non-political and non-official gatherings to which selective guests, especially from the Muslim community, were invited by the Chief Minister.

By attaching too much significance to the activity this year, both politicians and officials are trying to set a new trend. If it continues, the expenditure on Iftar parties will even find a mention in the budget speeches, and it won't even be surprising to find an Iftar minister in future cabinets. (INN)