New Delhi: A recent decision by the Assam government to discontinue a two-hour break for Muslim lawmakers to offer Jumma prayers has sparked criticism from key NDA allies, the JDU and the LJP.
The decision, defended by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as a consensus among Hindu and Muslim legislators, has been met with sharp disapproval from both parties. JDU functionary Neeraj Kumar slammed the move, stating that it goes against the core principles of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom. He questioned Sarma’s focus, urging him to prioritise issues like poverty alleviation and flood prevention instead, The Times of India reported (TOI).
“The decision made by the Assam chief minister is against the core principles of the country’s Constitution. Every religious belief has the right to preserve its traditions. I want to ask CM Sarma: You are imposing a ban on Friday holidays during Ramzan and claim that this will increase work efficiency. A significant part of Hindu tradition is the Maa Kamakhya Temple – can you impose a ban on the practice of sacrifice there?” Kumar was quoted as saying by TOI.
Senior JDU leader K C Tyagi echoed these sentiments, highlighting the Preamble of the Constitution, which safeguards the freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship. He emphasised that actions should not be taken that violate this fundamental right or hurt religious sentiments.
LJP’s Delhi president Raju Tiwari also expressed concerns, underscoring the importance of respecting the freedom of religious practices. This latest controversy comes after the JDU and LJP’s previous criticisms of the Centre’s lateral entry policy, which led to its withdrawal.
Sarma, however, defended the decision: “The Hindus and Muslims of our assembly sat in the MLA’s Rule Committee and unanimously resolved that the two-hour break is not right. We should work during this period as well. This practice started in 1937 and has been discontinued from yesterday.”