Key allies of the NDA, Janata Dal-United (JDU) and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), have openly criticised the Assam government's decision to discontinue a two-hour break for Muslim legislators to offer Jumma namaz on Fridays during the assembly session, reported The Times of India.
The move, supported by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has sparked controversy as it challenges the decades-old tradition dating back to 1937.
JDU leader Neeraj Kumar strongly disapproved of the decision, questioning the Chief Minister's priorities. "Instead of focusing on real issues like poverty alleviation and flood prevention, Sarma is undermining religious practices. This decision goes against the core principles of our Constitution, which protects every religious belief. If Friday breaks during Ramzan are being targeted, will the Hindu tradition of sacrifice at the Maa Kamakhya Temple face a similar ban?" Kumar remarked.
Senior JDU functionary K C Tyagi echoed these sentiments, noting that the Preamble of the Indian Constitution ensures the liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship. He urged the government not to act in ways that harm the spirit of the Constitution or the religious sentiments of citizens.
LJP Delhi President Raju Tiwari also raised concerns, stating that the freedom to practice religion must be respected and upheld.
Sarma, however, defended the decision, asserting it was made through a consensus among Hindu and Muslim legislators in the assembly’s Rule Committee. He noted, "The Hindus and Muslims of our assembly sat together and unanimously resolved that the two-hour break is not right. We should work during this period as well."
This controversy follows other recent instances where Bihar-based NDA allies expressed discontent with the government's actions, including their stance on lateral entry provisions in the civil services without quota compliance.
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