Chinese version of Yogi: Tejaswi Yadav criticizes Assam CM over cancellation of namaz break

New Delhi: Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader, Tejaswi Yadav, on Friday accused Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of seeking "cheap popularity" through actions that allegedly target the Muslim community. Yadav's remarks came in response to the Assam Assembly's recent decision to cancel the two-hour recess on Fridays, previously allowed for Muslim legislators to offer prayers.

Accusations of targeting Muslims

Speaking to the media, Tejaswi Yadav stated, "In an attempt to gain cheap popularity and become the Chinese version of Yogi, the Chief Minister of Assam deliberately engages in actions that harass Muslims. The people of BJP have made Muslim brothers a soft target to spread hatred, attract the attention of Modi-Shah, and polarize society."

Yadav further emphasized the contributions of Muslims to India's independence, saying, "People of all religions, except RSS, have played a role in the independence of the country. Our Muslim brothers have made sacrifices in securing the country's freedom, and as long as we are here, no one can harm them."

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असम के मुख्यमंत्री सस्ती लोकप्रियता हासिल करने एवं “योगी का चाइनीज़ वर्जन” बनने के प्रयास में जानबुझकर मुसलमानों को परेशान करने वाले कृत्य करते रहते है। BJP के लोगों ने नफ़रत फैलाने, मोदी-शाह का ध्यान आकृष्ट करने एवं समाज में धुर्वीकरण करने के लिए मुसलमान भाइयों को सॉफ्ट टारगेट… pic.twitter.com/tVue9mXoY9

— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) August 30, 2024

Assam assembly ends Namaz break

Earlier in the day, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the cancellation of the two-hour namaz break on Fridays in the Assam Legislative Assembly. Sarma described the move as a step towards enhancing productivity and discarding colonial-era practices. The decision, made public on Friday, removes a long-standing provision that allowed Muslim lawmakers and staff members to take a break for Friday prayers, or namaz.

The Assam legislature has now voted to abolish its tradition of providing Muslim lawmakers with a two-hour Friday namaz break. On August 30th, the Assembly Rules Committee, led by Speaker Biswajit Daimary, decided to keep the House’s business open on Fridays, just like any other day. This practice, which dates back to 1937, was introduced with the establishment of the state’s assembly. The House previously adjourned for two hours on Fridays at 11 a.m., allowing Muslim MLAs to attend namaz and return to work after lunch.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hailed the decision as "historical," asserting that it was a significant step towards boosting productivity and eliminating outdated colonial practices. He also noted that the practice was introduced by Muslim League’s Syed Saadulla in 1937.