The Assam Assembly has ended its decades-old tradition of a two-hour Friday break for Muslim legislators to offer namaz.
For nearly 90 years, the practice accommodated Muslim MLAs’ prayer needs. This longstanding tradition has now been discontinued. The decision made in the final session of August came into effect during the current budget session.
AIUDF MLA Rafiqul Islam expressed dismay. “About 30 Muslim MLAs opposed this move,” he said. “The BJP used its majority to impose it.” Opposition Leader Debabrata Saikia of Congress agreed, noting colleagues missed key prayer debates. He suggested, “A nearby prayer provision could work since it’s just Fridays.”
Why the Assam Assembly Namaz Break Ended
The Rules Committee, led by Speaker Biswajit Daimary, made the call last August. Daimary argued that a secular Constitution demands equal treatment of all days. The committee unanimously approved the change.
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Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hailed it as a productivity boost, shedding a “colonial relic” from 1937’s Muslim League era.
The decision sparks tension. Critics see it as sidelining minority needs, while supporters view it as modernizing the Assam Assembly. With no break, Muslim MLAs must now adapt. Will a compromise emerge?
