For the first time in decades, the Assam Legislative Assembly has discontinued its two-hour break on Fridays, which was traditionally allotted to facilitate Muslim legislators in offering ‘namaz.’ The decision, initially taken during the last session in August, was implemented in the ongoing budget session.
Opposition Voices Discontent
Expressing dissatisfaction over the move, AIUDF MLA Rafiqul Islam criticized the decision, stating that it was imposed based on the ruling party’s majority. “There are about 30 Muslim MLAs in the Assembly. We had voiced our opposition, but the BJP government used its numerical strength to enforce this change,” Islam said.
Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia from Congress suggested that an alternative arrangement be made for the legislators to offer ‘namaz’ nearby. “Several of my colleagues from Congress and AIUDF missed crucial discussions today due to their prayers. Since it’s a special requirement only on Fridays, a provision should be considered,” Saikia remarked.
Decision Taken for Secular Proceedings
The move to end the nearly 90-year-old practice was initiated by the Rules Committee of the House, led by Speaker Biswajit Daimary, in August last year. Daimary emphasized the secular nature of the Constitution and proposed that Assembly proceedings should continue on Fridays without interruption, like any other working day. The proposal was put forth before the committee and passed unanimously.
With the implementation of this decision, Assam’s Assembly proceedings now continue without the traditional Friday recess, marking a significant shift in legislative protocol.
