90-Year-Old ‘Namaz Break’ Tradition Ends in Assam Assembly

Guwahati: For the first time in nearly 90 years, the Assam Assembly has discontinued its longstanding practice of a two-hour break on Fridays to allow Muslim legislators to offer ‘namaz’ during the ongoing budget session.

The decision, which was taken in the last session of the House in August, has now been implemented. Expressing discontent, AIUDF MLA Rafiqul Islam criticized the move, stating that it was imposed through sheer numerical strength.  “There are about 30 Muslim MLAs in the assembly. We had expressed our opposition, but the BJP used its majority to enforce the decision,” Islam said.

Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia of the Congress suggested an alternative arrangement, allowing Muslim legislators to offer ‘namaz’ nearby without missing crucial discussions. “Since this is a special prayer requirement only for Fridays, a provision could be made without affecting assembly proceedings,” he said.

The decision to end the practice was taken by the Rules Committee of the House, chaired by Speaker Biswajit Daimary, in August last year. Daimary justified the move, citing the secular nature of the Constitution and arguing that the Assembly should function uniformly on all working days. The proposal was placed before the Rules Committee and passed unanimously.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the decision, asserting that the practice was introduced in 1937 by the Muslim League’s Syed Saadulla and should be discontinued as part of shedding "colonial baggage" and prioritizing legislative productivity.

Telangana, Karnataka Congress Seeks Ramadan Leave for Muslim Govt Employees

On the other hand, the Congress-led governments in Telangana and Karnataka have sought special concessions for Muslim government employees during Ramadan, allowing them to leave work early for prayers.

In Telangana, the state government has issued a directive permitting Muslim government employees, including teachers, contract workers, outsourcing staff, and employees of boards, corporations, and public sector units, to leave their workplaces by 4:00 PM throughout Ramadan. The order, effective from March 2 to March 31, 2025, exempts employees whose presence is required for essential services.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to implement a similar policy in the state. Led by KPCC Vice President Hussain, the appeal requests a one-hour evening leave for Muslim government employees to facilitate prayer observance during Ramadan.