The decades-old tradition of a two-hour ‘namaz’ break in the Assam Assembly has been abolished from this year’s budget session. This decision was taken during the August session last year, but it has been implemented for the first time in this session.
However, Muslim MLAs have opposed this decision. AIUDF MLA Rafiqul Islam expressed his displeasure and said, “There are about 30 Muslim MLAs in the assembly. We opposed this decision, but it was imposed on the basis of majority.”
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia (Congress) suggested that arrangements could be made for Muslim legislators to offer namaaz nearby. He said many of his colleagues and AIUDF MLAs left for namaaz on Friday, causing them to miss crucial discussions.
Assam Speaker Defends Namaz Break Ban
Assam Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary defended the decision, linking it to the secular nature of the Constitution. He said, “The proceedings of the House on Friday should continue like any other day.”
The proposal was presented to the Assembly’s Rules Committee and approved unanimously.
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Supports the Decision
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the move, saying the tradition was started in 1937 by Syed Saadulla of the Muslim League. He said the decision to end it was taken to remove colonial-era practices.
Assam Assembly: What Was the Earlier Rule?
Earlier, Muslim MLAs in Assam Assembly were given a special leave of two hours on Fridays to offer Namaaz. During this time, the proceedings of the House were stopped.
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