Sat Feb 22 07:02:17 UTC 2025: **Assam Assembly Ends Decades-Long Friday Namaz Break**

GUWAHATI, INDIA – February 22, 2025 – The Assam Legislative Assembly has ended a nearly 90-year-old tradition of a two-hour break on Fridays to allow Muslim legislators to attend midday prayers. The decision, implemented during the current budget session, has sparked criticism from opposition members.

The break, instituted in 1937, was discontinued following a decision by the Assembly’s Rules Committee last August. Speaker Biswajit Daimary justified the move, citing the secular nature of the Indian Constitution and a desire to enhance legislative productivity. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma echoed this sentiment, characterizing the break as a relic of colonial practice.

AIUDF MLA Rafiqul Islam expressed his disapproval, arguing the decision was imposed due to the BJP’s majority in the Assembly. He stated that roughly 30 Muslim MLAs had opposed the change. Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia suggested an alternative arrangement, proposing that prayer facilities be made available near the Assembly for Muslim MLAs. He noted that several MLAs missed important discussions due to the discontinued break.

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