The Assam government’s decision to ban the two-hour Jumma break in the state assembly has sparked controversy, causing tension within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Following the move, Janata Dal United (JDU) expressed strong objections, accusing the government of attempting to strip citizens of their rights. Now, another NDA ally, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), has also voiced its dissent.
LJP (Ram Vilas) Delhi President Raju Tiwari has joined JDU in criticizing the Assam government’s decision. Tiwari urged the government to respect the freedom of religious practices, emphasizing the importance of allowing religious observances.
This is not the first time the NDA allies from Bihar have clashed with the central government. Recently, both JDU and LJP (Ram Vilas) had raised concerns over the Center’s lateral entry system, which bypassed quota provisions. Their opposition led to the withdrawal of the decision.
The central government’s lateral entry initiative aimed to recruit non-IAS professionals to fill key positions in the country, bringing in experienced individuals with expertise in specific fields. However, the move faced backlash from JDU, particularly from leader Neeraj Kumar.
Kumar also criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s decision to ban the Jumma break in the assembly. He argued that Sarma should focus on addressing pressing issues such as poverty and flood prevention, rather than making decisions that go against the Constitution’s principles.