JDU leader slams Assam government's decision on ending Jumma break, says "Stop 'Bali Pratha' in Kamakhya Temple"

In a significant move, the Assam Assembly amended its rules, ending the practice of adjourning the Assembly session on Fridays to accommodate Namaz prayers. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from JDU leader Neeraj Kumar, who has expressed concerns over its implications on religious freedom.

Speaking on the matter, Kumar stated, "This decision by the Assam government contradicts the principles enshrined in the Constitution. Every religion holds the right to preserve its traditions and rituals. If Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma believes that this change will boost productivity, then I challenge him to also address the 'Bali Pratha' ritual in Kamakhya Temple. No one has the authority to infringe upon or dismantle religious practices."

The Assam Legislative Assembly has passed a historic order by changing its rules to discard the age-old practice of adjourning sessions on Fridays to offer Namaz. This tradition has been in place since 1946.

Also read: Arunachal: Farmers gain insight into Agri-Horti Iinnovations at CHF Pasighat training

In the past, whenever the Assembly had worked on a Friday, it was adjourned between 11:30 am and 1 pm to allow Muslim members to offer their weekly Friday prayers. It was during the speakership of Sayed Sadullah that this practice was started whereby the House would adjourn to enable members to attend the Namaz before returning in the afternoon to the House to attend to legislative work.

However, in a move reflecting the secular ethos of the Indian Constitution, Speaker Biswajit Daimary proposed an end to this tradition. 

Daimary said that the Assembly should operate on Fridays without religious interruptions, aligning with the principle of equality and non-discrimination.