Guwahati,21 Feburary :a significant move, the Assam Legislative Assembly has discontinued its decades-old tradition of a two-hour break on Fridays to allow Muslim legislators to offer namaz. This decision, taken during the August session last year, was implemented for the first time in the ongoing budget session.
The nearly 90-year-old practice, introduced in 1937 by Muslim League leader Syed Saadulla, was halted following a proposal by Speaker Biswajit Daimary. Citing the secular nature of the Constitution, Daimary suggested that the Assembly should conduct its proceedings on Fridays like any other day. The proposal was unanimously approved by the Rules Committee.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the move, calling it a step towards prioritizing productivity and shedding colonial-era practices. However, the decision has sparked dissatisfaction among Muslim legislators. AIUDF MLA Rafiqul Islam criticized the move, stating that it was imposed based on the ruling party’s numerical strength. “We opposed the decision, but the BJP has the numbers to enforce it,” he said.
Leader of the Opposition, Congress’s Debabrata Saikia, suggested a middle ground. “Since Friday namaz is a special requirement, provisions can be made for Muslim MLAs to offer prayers nearby without disrupting Assembly proceedings,” he said. Saikia highlighted that several MLAs missed important discussions due to the lack of a break.
The move has reignited debates on balancing religious practices with legislative efficiency in a secular democracy. While some view it as a progressive step, others see it as an erosion of long-standing traditions accommodating religious diversity.
This decision marks a new chapter in Assam’s legislative history, reflecting evolving priorities in a modern, productivity-driven governance model.
