The Assam Legislative Assembly has officially ended the long-standing practice of a two-hour Jumma break on Fridays, a move that BJP MLA Taranga Gogoi described as “historic.” The decision was made to eliminate what has been considered a colonial-era rule introduced by Saadullah’s Muslim League government in Assam during British rule.
Speaking to reporters, Gogoi emphasized India’s secular nature, stating, “As India is a secular country, if somebody takes a break for Namaz, Hindus can also take a break for our rituals. But the break was given to a particular community for many years. It is a historic decision.” He also called on MLAs from the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and Congress to express their appreciation for the state government’s decision.
Previously, the assembly would adjourn its proceedings every Friday at 11:00 AM to allow Muslim members to offer Jumma prayers. However, the newly amended rule stipulates that the assembly will now commence its proceedings at 9:30 AM every day, including Fridays, without any breaks for religious purposes.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to social media to praise the decision, stating that it prioritizes the productivity of the assembly while shedding a remnant of colonial influence. “By doing away with the 2-hour Jumma break, @AssamAssembly has prioritized productivity and shed another vestige of colonial baggage. This practice was introduced by Muslim League’s Syed Saadulla in 1937. My gratitude to Biswajit Daimar Dangoriya and our legislators for this historic decision,” CM Sarma posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The decision has been positioned as a step towards enhancing the efficiency of the assembly while reinforcing the secular principles of the state.