Assam Assembly Scraps Break for Friday Prayers: What NDA Ally JDU and Opposition Parties Said?

The Assam Assembly has decided to abolish the three-hour break traditionally given for Friday prayers (Juma Namaz). Previously, the House would be adjourned from 11 am to 2 pm to accommodate the prayer time. This change has sparked a flurry of reactions from various political parties and leaders across the country.

Speaking to reporters, Speaker Biswajit Daimary said this was a provision unique to the Assam Legislative Assembly introduced during the premiership of Muhammad Saadullah in pre-Independence Assam.

Speaker Biswajit Daimary said further, “In the Assam legislative assembly, it had become like a tradition from the time of the British during Saadullah saab’s Chief Ministership. At that time, Bangladesh was with Assam and the capital was in Shillong. Maybe then there were many members who were followers of the Islamic religion and they brought this proposal… Since I’ve become Speaker, I’ve noticed that on Friday, when there’s some important matters to discuss, it becomes very difficult for time. 

"The other thing is that in today’s day and age, everybody is very conscious about their rights. People of other religions have also sometimes started saying that we should also get some time for prayers… I took information from all the legislative assemblies and found that no assembly adjourns the house for any religion or prayer. Even in the Parliament, there is no such rule,” he added.

JDU's Strong Opposition

The decision faced immediate backlash from the Janata Dal (United) or JDU, an ally of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre. The party called the move a violation of the constitutional spirit. 

JDU leader Neeraj Kumar was particularly vocal, stating, "The decision of the Assam government is definitely against the basic preamble of the Constitution of the country. Everyone has the right to keep their religious beliefs and traditions alive."

Neeraj Kumar also raised concerns over what he perceives as selective targeting of religious practices. He challenged Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, pointing out, "I want to know from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma that he is banning the holiday on Friday, but sacrifice takes place every day in Kamakhya temple in Assam. See how much opposition will be there by banning it."

Kumar further argued that rather than banning religious practices, the government should focus on more pressing issues, such as alleviating poverty, addressing flood problems, and improving the lives of Assam's residents.

A tactic by CM to gain popularity: Tejashwi 

Tejashwi Yadav, a leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and a prominent figure in Bihar's opposition, also criticized the decision, suggesting that it was a tactic by the Assam Chief Minister to gain popularity by polarizing society. 

"The BJP people have made Muslim brothers a soft target to spread hatred, attract the attention of Modi-Shah, and polarize the society. Sometimes the Waqf Board bill comes and sometimes the CAA NRC bill... these people want to create hatred in the society," he said. Yadav assured that as long as his party is around, no harm will come to the Muslim community.

'Sarma spews venom and spreads poison in the society'

Samajwadi Party (SP) leader ST Hasan from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, also joined the fray, accusing Himanta Biswa Sarma of spreading hatred and divisive rhetoric. "Whenever Himanta Biswa Sarma speaks, he spews venom and spreads poison in the society. His entire politics is based on anti-Muslim sentiments," Hasan stated. He further alleged that there seems to be a competition among certain chief ministers to showcase who can oppress Muslims the most to curry favor with central leadership.

CM Defends Decision

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma defended the decision, emphasizing that it was made collectively by both Hindu and Muslim Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). 

"After the meeting of the Rule Committee, all Hindu, Muslim MLAs have decided that there is no need for a two-hour break," he explained. According to Sarma, the practice of having a break for Friday prayers started in 1937, and it was decided to stop this tradition to make better use of the Assembly's time.

Sarma dismissed accusations that the decision was aimed at gaining popularity or favoring a particular group. He clarified, "MLAs from all classes were involved in this decision, and it was taken unanimously. It is not that I took it."

The Secularism Debate

Adding to the debate, BJP MP Dinesh Sharma asserted that India is a secular country, and secularism requires equal treatment and respect for all religions. He stated, "If we talk about secularism and respect for all religions and equal treatment for all religions, then I believe that respect for all religions is the priority of this government."

The abolition of the Friday prayer break in the Assam Assembly has sparked a larger debate about secularism, religious freedom, and governance in India. While the decision is seen by some as a step towards secularism and efficient governance, others perceive it as an infringement on religious rights and a move to marginalize certain communities. As the controversy unfolds, it highlights the complexities involved in balancing secular governance with respect for religious practices in a diverse country like India.