Guwahati : The Assam Legislative Assembly has abolished its long-standing two-hour break on Fridays that allowed Muslim lawmakers to offer namaz, marking the first time the custom has been discontinued during a Budget session.
The decision was made in August 2024 during the last session but was implemented for the first time in the ongoing sitting. The move has sparked dissatisfaction among opposition members, particularly those from the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and the Congress.
AIUDF MLA Rafiqul Islam criticized the decision, claiming it was enforced purely on the strength of the ruling party’s majority. “There are roughly 30 Muslim MLAs in the legislature, but the BJP is enforcing this because they have the numbers,” he said.
Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia suggested an alternative, stating that arrangements could be made within the Assembly premises to allow Muslim MLAs to conduct their Friday namaz without missing crucial discussions. “Several AIUDF and Congress MLAs had to step out for namaz today, missing important debates. Since this is a special prayer requirement only for Fridays, a nearby provision could have been made,” he said.
The decision to eliminate the nearly 90-year-old practice was made by the Rules Committee of the Assembly, led by Speaker Biswajit Daimary, in August 2024. The committee unanimously approved Daimary’s proposal that Assembly sessions be held on Fridays without breaks, in line with the Constitution’s secular principles.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the move, stating that the practice was first introduced in 1937 by the Muslim League’s Syed Saadulla. He argued that ending the break prioritizes productivity and removes remnants of colonial-era traditions.
Previously, the Assam Assembly functioned from 9:30 a.m. to evening from Monday to Thursday and 9 a.m. to evening on Fridays, allowing for the two-hour namaz break. Going forward, the Assembly will begin at 9:30 a.m. every day without exceptions.
— IANS
