During the current Budget session, the long-standing custom of the Assam Assembly taking a two-hour break on Fridays to allow Muslim lawmakers to offer namaz was abandoned for the first time. The decision, made during the House’s session in August of last year, went into effect this sitting.
*Mixed Reactions*
Rafiqul Islam, an AIUDF MLA, expressed displeasure with the decision, arguing that it was made based on the strength of numbers. Islam stated that the BJP enforced the change because they hold the majority in the legislature, which includes roughly 30 Muslim MLAs.
Debabrata Saikia, leader of the opposition, suggested that arrangements could be made for Muslim MLAs to conduct Friday namaz in the area. “As they went to offer namaz today, a number of my party colleagues and AIUDF MLAs missed crucial conversations. I believe a provision can be made for it nearby since it is a special prayer requirement only for Fridays,” Saikia said.
*Speaker-Led Decision*
In August of last year, the Speaker-led Rules Committee of the House decided to terminate the nearly 90-year-old practice. The Rules Committee unanimously approved Speaker Biswajit Daimary’s proposal that the Assam Legislative Assembly hold its sessions on Fridays just like any other day, in light of the Constitution’s secular orientation.
*Chief Minister’s Remarks*
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the decision, stating that it was a practice introduced by the Muslim League’s Syed Saadulla in 1937. The decision to discontinue the break prioritises productivity and sheds another vestige of colonial baggage.
*Assembly Schedule*
The Assam Assembly starts at 9.30 a.m. from Monday to Thursday and previously began at 9 a.m. on Fridays, allowing for a two-hour break for namaz. With the new change, the Assembly will begin its functioning at 9.30 a.m. every day.
The discontinuation of the ‘namaz break’ marks a significant shift in the Assembly’s proceedings, aiming to ensure consistent session timings while addressing the diverse needs of its members. As the new schedule takes effect, lawmakers and officials will adapt to the updated routine in the coming sessions.
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