Assam Assembly’s Decision to Abolish ‘Namaz’ Break: Controversy and Opposition from NDA Allies

In a recent decision, the Assam Assembly has abolished the two-hour break on Fridays, traditionally allotted for Muslim MLAs to offer namaz. The new rule is set to be implemented from the next session, with the last instance of the break being provided on Friday, during the final day of the autumn session. This move has sparked criticism from two key NDA allies, JDU (Janata Dal-United) and LJP (Lok Janshakti Party), who argue that the decision contradicts the fundamental principles of the Indian Constitution.

Opposition from NDA Allies: JDU and LJP

Both the JDU and LJP have openly expressed their disapproval of the Assam government’s decision, highlighting that it goes against the core constitutional values. They emphasised that the right to religious practices is integral to the Constitution, and any action that undermines these rights could be seen as unconstitutional.

JDU leaders were particularly vocal, with Neeraj Kumar criticising the move. He stated, “Every religious belief has the right to uphold its traditions. By removing the Friday break for namaz, the Assam Chief Minister is attacking a practice that many consider sacred. If increasing work efficiency is the goal, would the government also ban certain Hindu rituals, such as the practice of sacrifice at the Maa Kamakhya Temple?”

K C Tyagi, another senior JDU leader, pointed out that decisions like these must respect the spirit of the Constitution and the sentiments of all religious communities. He stressed that religious practices, whether they belong to the majority or minority communities, should be respected and preserved.

Announcement by Assam’s Chief Minister

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the abolition of the ‘namaz’ break in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating that the move would enhance productivity in the legislative assembly. “By eliminating the 2-hour Jumma break, the Assam Assembly has prioritised productivity and removed a colonial-era practice introduced by the Muslim League’s Syed Saadulla in 1937,” Sarma explained.

According to the Chief Minister, the decision was made after discussions with both Hindu and Muslim legislators, suggesting a consensus was reached among members of the assembly.

Further Criticism from LJP

The LJP also voiced its objections, with its Delhi president, Raju Tiwari, joining the chorus of disapproval. Both the JDU and LJP had earlier criticised the government’s “lateral entry” policy, which was scrapped after concerns about compliance with quota provisions were raised.

Defence by BJP Leaders

While the JDU and LJP oppose the move, senior BJP leaders have defended the decision. Union Minister Giriraj Singh welcomed the abolition of the namaz break, stating that it is essential to ensure uniformity in law and avoid providing preferential treatment to any religious group. He argued that such practices should not exist in a secular nation, where no single community should be given special treatment.

Known for his hardline Hindutva stance, Singh also took the opportunity to criticise opposition leaders such as Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, and Tejashwi Yadav, accusing them of pandering to the Muslim vote bank. “If they had their way, they would declare a holiday across the country every Friday,” he said, dismissing their criticism as politically motivated.

Conclusion

The decision to discontinue the namaz break in the Assam Assembly has stirred controversy, not only from opposition parties but also from key allies of the BJP within the NDA. While proponents of the move argue it brings much-needed uniformity and productivity, critics view it as an infringement on religious freedoms and a violation of the principles enshrined in the Constitution. As this debate unfolds, the decision’s impact on Assam’s political landscape and its relationship with key allies remains to be seen.