Team Clarion
GUWAHATI – The Assam Legislative Assembly has permanently abolished the 90-year-old tradition of granting a ‘Namaz Break’ during House proceedings on Fridays. The decision, implemented in the ongoing session, has sparked strong opposition from Muslim legislators, while Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma defended it as the removal of a colonial-era practice.
The ‘Namaz Break’ system, in place since 1937, allowed a two-hour recess on Fridays for Muslim MLAs to offer congregational prayers. While the decision to discontinue this break was made in August last year by the Rules Committee of the House, it has now come into effect.
Speaker Biswajit Daimary, who proposed the change, argued that the Assembly should function uniformly on all days, aligning with the secular nature of the Constitution. The proposal was unanimously approved by the committee.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the move, stating, “This practice was introduced in 1937 by Syed Saadullah of the Muslim League. Discontinuing it prioritises productivity and removes yet another sign of colonial burden.”
The decision has drawn criticism from opposition parties, particularly the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and the Congress.
AIUDF MLA Rafiqul Islam condemned the move, calling it an imposition by the ruling BJP. “There are about 30 Muslim MLAs in the Assembly. We made our objections clear, but the BJP is using its majority to enforce this decision,” he said.
Congress Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia suggested a middle ground, proposing that arrangements be made for Muslim MLAs to pray nearby without disrupting House proceedings. “Many MLAs missed crucial discussions in the House today because they went for Friday prayers. Since this is a weekly collective prayer, provisions should be made to accommodate it,” he argued.
The abolition of the ‘Namaz Break’ has ignited a larger debate on religious accommodations in legislative bodies. While the ruling party sees it as a step toward uniformity in governance, critics argue that it disregards the religious obligations of a significant section of lawmakers.
With tensions running high, the move is likely to remain a contentious issue in Assam’s political landscape.
