Ranchi, April 14 – Jharkhand Minister Hafizul Hassan on Monday defended and clarified his controversial comment about prioritising Sharia law over the Indian Constitution, saying the statement was misinterpreted and taken out of context. Speaking to the media, Hassan explained that his use of the word “hum” (we) instead of “main” (I) was intended to reflect the collective beliefs of the community. “I am a minister. I believe in the Constitution and function in accordance with it,” he said.
The minister added that while Shariat, like other faiths, holds a place in people’s hearts, it does not override the Constitution. “Shariat too has its own place. People keep Lord Hanuman in their hearts… it’s a way of saying. Everyone is distorting and presenting my statement,” he said, urging viewers to watch his full 5–6 minute speech for proper context.
The remarks have triggered a political storm, drawing condemnation from senior BJP leaders and prompting demands for his removal from the Cabinet.
Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal called the remarks “condemnable,” particularly since they were made on Ambedkar Jayanti, a day dedicated to honouring B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. “Today is Ambedkar Jayanti. If someone says something like that against the Constitution, it is not right. It is condemnable,” Meghwal said in Delhi.
State BJP President Babulal Marandi demanded an explanation from the ruling Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), accusing them of mocking the Constitution. “It has become clear that Congress and JMM make a mockery of the Constitution when they roam around with its copy. The reality has come out through the words of Hafizul Hassan,” Marandi said. The BJP has announced plans to launch protests across Jharkhand, calling for Hassan’s dismissal from the state Cabinet.
