Jharkhand Minister claims Shariat is above Constitution; BJP demands his dismissal

IANS April 14, 2025 159 views

A Jharkhand Minority Welfare Minister has triggered a major political controversy by claiming Shariat law is superior to the Indian Constitution. BJP leaders have strongly condemned the remarks, calling for his immediate dismissal from the Cabinet. The statement was made during a local media interview, where the minister explicitly stated his prioritization of Islamic law over national legal framework. The incident has sparked intense debate about constitutional values and religious interpretations in Indian political discourse.

"Shariat is bigger for me. We keep the Quran in our hearts and the Constitution in our hands." - Hafizul Hasan Ansari
Ranchi, April 14: Jharkhand Minority Welfare Minister and a leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) Hafizul Hasan Ansari sparked a huge controversy when he said that Islamic law, Shariat, is above the Indian Constitution.

Key Points

1

BJP demands minister's removal for challenging constitutional supremacy

2

Controversy erupts on Ambedkar Jayanti

3

Senior leaders condemn remarks as threat to national integrity

His remarks, made during a conversation with a local media channel, have ignited a political storm in the state.

Senior BJP leaders have strongly condemned his statement and are now calling for his removal from the Cabinet.

In the conversation, Ansari said, "Shariat is bigger for me. We keep the Quran in our hearts and the Constitution in our hands. Muslims walk with the Quran in their hearts and the Constitution in their hands. So, we will hold onto the Shariat first, then the Constitution. This is what my Islam teaches me."

Reacting sharply, Jharkhand BJP President, Babulal Marandi, took to social media, criticising Ansari's remarks.

"For Minister Hafizul Hasan, Shariat matters more than the Constitution, as he is clearly focussed on his 'goal' and loyal only to his community. During the elections, he sought votes from the poor, Dalits, and tribals, but now he is trying to advance an Islamic agenda," Marandi wrote.

Marandi further labelled the statement as "dangerous" and warned, "This radical thinking is becoming a threat to the cultural and tribal identity of the entire state, particularly in Santhal Pargana. When someone in a constitutional position promotes radical ideology, it poses a threat not only to the present but also to future generations."

The BJP leader also urged politicians from all parties to rise above political affiliations and address the issue. "Shariat contradicts the basic principles of the Constitution written by Babasaheb Ambedkar. If Rahul Gandhi and Hemant Soren truly believe in the Constitution, they must immediately remove Hafizul Hasan from the Cabinet," Marandi demanded.

Union Minister of State for Defence and Ranchi BJP MP, Sanjay Seth, also condemned Ansari’s statement, calling it unfortunate.

“On a day when the entire country is honouring Dr Ambedkar and the Constitution, a Jharkhand Minister who took oath on the Constitution is saying that Shariat is above it. This is a misfortune for our democracy. Shariat can never take precedence over the Constitution," Seth said.

Godda BJP MP, Nishikant Dubey, claimed that the Congress and its allies do not respect Baba Saheb Ambedkar's Constitution.

Sharing the video of Ansari’s statement on social media, Dubey wrote, "This is the Jharkhand government Minister Hafizul Ansari, who believes Shariat law -- essentially the Muslim Constitution -- comes before any other Constitution. The media won’t speak on this because this is what the INDIA alliance stands for."

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is such a disappointing statement from a minister. Everyone holding public office should respect the Constitution first and foremost. India's strength is in its diversity, but the law must be equal for all. 😔
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Amit R.
While I respect all religions, I strongly disagree with the minister's view. The Constitution is the supreme law of our land - no religious law should be placed above it. This sets a dangerous precedent.
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Fatima Z.
As a Muslim, I believe we can follow our religious teachings while still respecting the Constitution. The minister's words don't represent all of us. Let's not make this a Hindu vs Muslim issue - it's about upholding democratic values.
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Rajesh M.
The BJP is right to call this out, but let's be honest - politicians from all parties make controversial statements for vote bank politics. We need leaders who put national unity above everything else.
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Sunita P.
I think we're missing the nuance here. The minister said it's personal for him, not that he would implement Shariat over Constitution. Still, as a public figure, he should be more careful with his words. 🤔
K
Karan S.
This is exactly why we need more civic education in schools. People don't understand that the Constitution protects ALL religions while ensuring equal rights. No religious law can supersede it - that's the whole point of a secular democracy!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
Hafizul Hasan Ansari Jharkhand Politics Shariat Law Constitutional Controversy BJP JMM
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