A heated exchange erupted between RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over the abolition of the two-hour Jumma break in the state assembly. Yadav accused Sarma of seeking cheap publicity and deliberately escalating tensions. He compared Sarma to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, stating that both leaders were using divisive tactics for political gain.
Yadav’s comments came in response to the Assam assembly’s decision to end the practice of a two-hour adjournment for Jumma prayers every Friday, a tradition dating back to the colonial era. The decision was made by the assembly, with support from both Hindu and Muslim legislators, and aims to eliminate what is seen as a divisive practice that separates society along religious lines.
However, Yadav’s criticism was met with swift rebuke from Sarma, who questioned Yadav’s own record on implementing similar breaks during his time as deputy chief minister of Bihar. Sarma challenged Yadav to practice what he preaches before making accusations. He also highlighted the fact that no Muslim MLA in the Assam assembly raised any objections to the decision, further emphasizing the consensus among legislators.
The controversy surrounding the Jumma break abolition highlights the delicate balance between religious practices, tradition, and modern-day legislative procedures. While Sarma sees the change as a step towards a more united society, Yadav argues that it reflects a larger pattern of divisive politics. This exchange between two prominent politicians sheds light on the ongoing debate about religious practices and their place in contemporary India.
