Himanta Biswa Sarma Reigns Supreme! 90-Year-Old Namaz Break Scrapped in Assam, Muslim Legislators Unhappy

Himanta Biswa Sarma: A big news has come from Assam, a northeastern state of India. The 2-hour break given to Muslim legislators for Namaz(prayers) during the Assembly session has now been canceled. This decision was taken in August last year. On Friday, the state government, led by Himanta Biswa Sarma, officially implemented it from this year's budget session.

Himanta Biswa Sarma Govt Ends Namaz Break in Assam Assembly

This change marks the end of a long-standing practice introduced by Muslim League leader Syed Saadullah during British rule. The Assam government justified the move, stating that it aligns with a secular approach and aims to maintain uniform Assembly proceedings.

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Opposition Criticises Decision, Calls for Alternative

The Congress and AIUDF have strongly opposed the removal of the Namaz break. Debabrata Saikia, Leader of the Opposition, suggested that Muslim legislators be allowed to pray inside the Assembly premises. He pointed out that several members missed key discussions as they left for Friday prayers.

Speaker Justifies Removal of Namaz Break

Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary defended the decision, stating that the Assam Assembly should function like any other day without special religious considerations. The proposal to remove the break was presented to the Rules Committee and was approved unanimously.

CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Calls It a Step Towards Productivity

Himanta Biswa Sarma has welcomed this decision, calling it a move towards efficiency. He emphasised that many colonial-era practices no longer serve their purpose and that Assembly proceedings should prioritise governance over traditions.

With this step, the Assam government has signalled a shift towards uniformity in legislative operations, despite resistance from opposition parties.