For the first time, the Assam Assembly has ended the long-standing practice of giving a two-hour break on Fridays for Muslim lawmakers to offer namaz during the ongoing Budget session.
The decision was made in August 2023 by the Speaker-led Rules Committee, but it came into effect during this session. The Assembly will now function from 9:30 a.m. every day, including Fridays.
Rafiqul Islam, an MLA from the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), expressed disappointment, saying the decision was driven by the BJP’s majority in the House.
“The BJP is enforcing this because they have the numbers. This decision ignores the needs of Muslim MLAs,” said Islam.
The Leader of Opposition, Debabrata Saikia, suggested that an arrangement could be made nearby to allow Muslim lawmakers to perform their Friday prayers.
“Several MLAs from my party and the AIUDF missed important discussions today to offer namaz. A nearby provision can be made for this special Friday prayer,” Saikia said.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma supported the move, calling the break a “colonial vestige” introduced by the Muslim League’s Syed Saadulla in 1937.
“This decision prioritizes productivity and moves us beyond outdated colonial practices,” Sarma said.
The Assembly previously started at 9 a.m. on Fridays to accommodate the prayer break, but from now on, it will follow a uniform schedule of 9:30 a.m. throughout the week.
