‘Strict Action Must Be Taken; Nothing is Above the Constitution,’ Says Rajiv Shukla on Mufti Nadvi’s Controversial Remarks

New Delhi: Amid ongoing debates in the country about the existence of God, Mufti Shamail Nadvi has come under fire for his controversial remarks suggesting that Muslims in India have historically placed their religion above the Constitution. The statement has sparked criticism from various political leaders, including Congress veteran Rajiv Shukla, who demanded strict action against the cleric.

Rajiv Shukla Demands Action
A video of Mufti Nadvi’s remarks, shared on X by Shujaat Ali Qadri, prompted Shukla to assert that “strict action should be taken against this cleric, because nothing is above the Constitution.”

What Mufti Nadvi Said
In his statement, Nadvi said, “We want our present circumstances to improve, but the solution is not in any political party; it lies in religion. Our approach in this country has been wrong. We repeatedly claimed that our homeland is more sacred than our faith. We have believed that the secular system is superior to our religion. We decided that if a particular shrine makes a ruling, we would accept it. But can this be done? If Allah has made a decision in a matter, it is not right for us to follow someone else instead.”

Constitution Questioned
Nadvi’s statement has been controversial because it suggests placing religion above the Constitution and the nation. This issue of some hardline individuals prioritizing religion over the country has been debated before, and Nadvi’s remarks reignited it.

Opposition to the Remarks
Shujaat Ali Qadri, Chairman of the Muslim Students Organization, wrote on X, “Mufti Nadvi’s statement goes against the core spirit of the Indian Constitution. Indian Muslims are neither supporters of a Hindu nation nor advocates of a religious rule under Wahhabi Sharia. Our path is guided by the Constitution, democracy, and equal civil rights. Such statements violate the essence of Articles 14, 15, 19, and 25 and are punishable under BNS Sections 196 and 197.”

The controversy highlights the tension between constitutional values and religious interpretations, prompting political and social leaders to reiterate that the Constitution remains the supreme law of the land.