The Impressive Times1 september, 2024 Recently, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has faced considerable backlash after his government decided to eliminate a two-hour Friday namaz break for Muslim members of the Assam Assembly. This policy change, aimed at streamlining legislative processes and ensuring uniform working hours, has provoked significant criticism from opposition parties and various activists.
The decision to remove the Friday namaz break was part of Sarma’s strategy to enhance legislative efficiency. However, this move has ignited a debate about religious accommodations in the workplace. Critics argue that ending the break could undermine the religious rights of Muslim legislators and may be perceived as marginalizing their needs.
Tejashwi Yadav, leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, has been particularly critical of Sarma’s decision. Yadav described Sarma as a “Chinese version of Yogi,” making an indirect comparison to Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh known for his controversial policies. This comparison highlights concerns about potential discriminatory practices under Sarma’s leadership.
In defense of his administration, Sarma has emphasized that his government’s efforts will proceed undeterred by public criticism. He stated, “Our work will continue regardless of public opinion,” underscoring his commitment to advancing his policies despite the controversy.
In a separate issue, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has directed sharp criticism at certain non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for their perceived inaction regarding a grave crime in Kolkata. The incident in question involves the rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9, 2024. The case has generated substantial public outrage and calls for justice.
During a recent address at the Rashtriya Military College in Dehradun, Dhankhar condemned these NGOs for their lack of response. He remarked, “Certain NGOs who are quick to speak on minor incidents are silent on this serious matter. We need to question their inaction. Their silence is more troubling than the perpetrators of this heinous crime.” Dhankhar’s comments reflect a frustration with what he views as selective activism and a failure to address critical social issues with the urgency they require.
Dhankhar’s criticism sheds light on the broader debate about the role and effectiveness of civil society organizations in advocating for justice. By highlighting their perceived neglect of significant issues, Dhankhar is questioning the commitment of these organizations to addressing urgent social problems.
Both the controversy over the Friday namaz break and Dhankhar’s remarks on NGO responses to the Kolkata crime reveal deep-seated tensions in the political and social landscape. These issues highlight ongoing debates about governance, religious accommodation, and the role of civil society in responding to injustice. As these stories develop, they will continue to influence public and political discourse, shaping the broader conversation on these critical issues.
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