Kavinder slams Sajjad Lone, claims India governed by constitution, not religion

JAMMU,28-01-2025: Senior BJP leader and former deputy chief minister Kavinder Gupta condemned the statement made by JKPC President and Legislator Handwara Sajad Gani Lone that religion should be placed above Parliament, emphasizing that the government should not take steps that force people to go against their religious beliefs.

In a statement issued to media persons, the BJP stalwart leader asserted that the law of the land in India is governed by the Constitution and not by any religious dictates. “In our democracy, the Constitution is the highest authority, and it provides the framework within which all citizens, irrespective of their faith, must function. India is a pluralistic society with diverse religious beliefs, and it is crucial that the laws of the country reflect this diversity without being subject to any individual’s personal religious preferences,” the senior BJP leader said.

“The Constitution and the rule of law must remain supreme. Sajad Gani Lone’s remarks suggest an erosion of this principle by attempting to elevate religion over parliamentary authority. We cannot allow convenience or select interpretations of faith to influence governance,” the leader added.

Addressing the concerns regarding the Waqf amendment, the BJP leader reiterated that the matter is being examined by the Joint Parliamentary Committee, which is likely to review the relevant legal and constitutional aspects before making any recommendations. He assured the public that they must place their trust in the legal process and the decisions that will be made with due diligence.

Kavinder Gupta also pointed out that even within Islamic law (Shariat) there are numerous practices that many Muslims do not adhere to in contemporary times highlighting that religious laws cannot and should not dictate the legal structure of a country. “Our society and legal system evolve over time to meet the chang dir.estatesjmu@jk.gov.in needs of all citizens, and we must respect and support that evolution. It is essential that we strike a balance between religious customs and the broader interests of justice and equality,” he said while urging people to have faith in the Constitution and the legal framework of the country. He stressed that matters of public governance must not be held hostage by convenience or misinterpretations of religious beliefs.