The Janata Dal-United (JDU) has sharply criticized the Assam government’s recent decision to eliminate the two-hour adjournment for Jumma prayers in the state assembly. JDU leader Neeraj Kumar has condemned the move as an attack on religious beliefs, arguing that it undermines constitutional principles and distracts from pressing issues like poverty and flood management.
BulletsIn
- JDU leader Neeraj Kumar criticized the Assam government’s decision to end the two-hour adjournment for Jumma prayers in the state assembly.
- Kumar argued that no one has the right to attack religious beliefs and that the decision contravenes the core principles of the Indian Constitution.
- He suggested that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma should focus more on addressing poverty rather than interfering with religious practices.
- Kumar questioned the Chief Minister’s rationale, comparing the Jumma break to Hindu practices like sacrifices at the Maa Kamakhya Temple.
- The Assam assembly has abolished the colonial-era practice introduced by the Muslim League government in 1937.
- Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma defended the decision, stating that it was supported unanimously by both Hindu and Muslim MLAs.
- Sarma claimed that the two-hour break was seen as unnecessary and that work should continue during this period.
- The assembly will now commence proceedings at 9:30 am every day, including Fridays, without adjournment for religious purposes.
- The change aims to eliminate a practice perceived as dividing society on a religious basis.
- The decision has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it disregards historical and religious sensitivities.
