Assam ended the 90-year-old tradition of granting a ‘Namaz break’ in the state assembly. AIUDF MLA Rafiqul Islam expressed disappointment, calling it a decision enforced by the ruling majority. He argued that such changes should consider all voices in a democratic setup. The move sparked political debate over religious accommodations in legislative proceedings.
Guwahati: The longstanding tradition in the Assam Assembly of allowing a two-hour break for Muslim legislators to perform ‘namaz’ on Fridays has been discontinued for the first time during the current budget session.
This decision made in the previous session of the House in August but is now being implemented.
AIUDF MLA Rafiqul Islam expressed his dissatisfaction, stating,
“There are about 30 Muslim MLAs in the assembly. We had expressed our views against the move. But they (the BJP) have the numbers and are imposing it on the basis of that.”
Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia from Congress suggested that arrangements could be made for Muslim MLAs to offer ‘namaz‘ nearby on Fridays.
He noted,
“Today, several of my party colleagues and AIUDF MLAs missed important discussions as they went to offer ‘namaz’. Since it is a special prayer requirement only for Fridays, I think a provision can be made for it nearby.”
The decision to end this nearly 90-year-old practice was made by the Rules Committee of the House, led by the Speaker, in August last year.
Speaker Biswajit Daimary stated that,
“In view of the secular nature of the Constitution, the Assam Legislative Assembly must conduct its proceedings on Fridays like any other day.”
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This proposal was unanimously passed by the Rules Committee. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma supported the decision, emphasizing that it prioritizes productivity and moves away from “another vestige of colonial baggage,” a practice introduced by the Muslim League’s Syed Saadulla in 1937.
With the removal of the Friday ‘namaz break,’ the Assam Assembly will now function continuously from 9:30 a.m. onwards, similar to other weekdays. This change aligns with the broader push for uniform legislative procedures, but it also raises questions about accommodating religious practices within government institutions.