Ranchi: Jharkhand Minister Hafizul Hasan Ansari stirred controversy on Sunday after stating that for Muslims, Shariat holds precedence over the Indian Constitution. His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, with the BJP accusing him of undermining the country’s secular framework.

"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,” Ansari told the reporter, triggering a political storm.

Speaking to ANI, Minister Hafizul Ansari clarified his statement, saying: "I didn’t say ‘main’ (I), I said ‘hum’ (we). Please watch the full statement. As a minister, ‘hum’ includes everyone. A minister believes in the Constitution and functions accordingly. Shariat too has its place. People say they keep Lord Hanuman in their heart — it's just a manner of expression. I said something similar. Everyone is distorting and misrepresenting my words. If you watch the entire 5–6-minute clip, you’ll understand the full context."

Reacting strongly to the statement, BJP MP Manish Jaiswal said, “He took oath of office on the Constitution. If he believes Shariat comes first, he should have pledged on it instead. This is a secular country where the Constitution is supreme. People of all faiths live here. If others begin disregarding leaders who follow Shariat over the Constitution, it will lead to anarchy.”

Jaiswal further added that merely holding the Constitution in hand is not enough. “One must hold it in their heart and mind to truly deserve the office they occupy,” he said.