In the midst of the nationwide celebrations of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar's 135th birth anniversary, a political gale has risen in Jharkhand regarding a controversial statement made by Minority Welfare Minister Hafizul Hasan.
His assertion of giving importance to Sharia law over the Indian Constitution has attracted instant criticism from opposition leaders and has ignited a heated debate in all political circles.
Talking to a news channel, Hasan said, "For me, Sharia is more important. We keep the Quran in our chest and the Constitution in our hands… Muslims walk with the Quran in their chest, and the Constitution in their hands. Okay! So we will first hold the Sharia and then the Constitution."
The remark has evoked intense responses, particularly from Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi, who demanded the immediate sacking of Hafizul Hasan from the Jharkhand cabinet. He described the comment as anti-national and anti-constitutional and said that it was an insult to the Constitution and its creator on Ambedkar Jayanti.
This is not just an anti-constitutional remark—it is an anti-national act," Marandi said, accusing Hasan of betraying the trust of the poor, Dalits, and tribals who voted for him.
Marandi also accused the INDIA alliance—the opposition coalition including Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)—of indulging in vote-bank politics and appeasement-based governance. He claimed that the prevailing atmosphere of communal tensions during Hindu festivals is an outcome of such policies.
"Those people want to govern this nation not according to the Constitution, but according to Sharia law," Marandi asserted, calling on Congress and JMM to come clear on Hasan's statement. He cautioned that unless the minister is ousted, it will be taken that the INDIA bloc supports his ideas.
In retaliation, the Jharkhand BJP also targeted the minister on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), posting: "The doors of Pakistan and Bangladesh are open for those who have Sharia in their hearts. India will run only on the Constitution of Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar and will remain supreme."
On the other hand, JMM ruled party distanced themselves from the comment made by Hasan, deeming it personal opinions. "Whatever Minister Hafizul Hasan has expressed is his personal statement," informed Supriyo Bhattacharya, General Secretary and Spokesperson of JMM.
Marandi ended with announcing that the matter will be carried to the masses throughout the state, as intended statewide agitations and campaigns within the days ahead.
Read also| Watch| India Showcases ‘Star Wars’-Style Laser Weapon to Neutralize Drones
