Trivedi's Critique of INDIA Bloc : Sudhanshu Trivedi: INDIA Bloc Prioritizes Its Interests Over the Constitution

New Delhi, April 14 (NationPress) In light of the increasing resistance to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi sharply criticized the INDIA Bloc on Monday. He accused the Trinamool Congress, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Samajwadi Party (SP), and Congress of disrespecting the Constitution and keeping it in “their pockets”.

Reacting to remarks from leaders in Karnataka and Jharkhand opposing the implementation of the newly enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, Trivedi stated: “The kind of absurd statements being made recently against this law, which has adhered to all constitutional procedures, is quite alarming. If Karnataka ministers assert they will not allow its execution, and Jharkhand ministers claim Sharia is superior to the Constitution, it awakens the Indian populace. If such occurrences persist, then the Constitution itself is at risk.”

He further highlighted that under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, the functions of the Central, state, and district governments are explicitly defined.

“No district panchayat can challenge a state law, and no state government can oppose laws enacted by the Centre. Their statements indicate that they keep the Constitution in their pockets, while the BJP and NDA hold it in our hearts. This is a conflict between those who abuse the Constitution and those who defend it,” he asserted.

Trivedi also accused the Opposition of undermining the heritage of B.R. Ambedkar.

“They are belittling Ambedkar and attempting to erode the groundbreaking changes brought by the 73rd and 74th amendments, enacted during their own administration. On Ambedkar Jayanti, they are glorifying Sharia over the Constitution. But for the BJP and NDA, Ambedkar’s Constitution holds supreme importance,” he added.

Commenting on Congress MP Imran Masood’s assertion that his party would “fix” the Waqf Act within an hour if they regain power, Trivedi remarked: “Everyone is aware of who was behind Ambedkar’s election defeat. He lost his first election by 14,000 votes, and 78,000 votes were declared invalid. He even filed a complaint about this in April 1952. It was the Congress and Communist Party that orchestrated this. Now, Imran Masood claims they can amend the Constitution in an hour. Is that even feasible? It requires debate, procedure, and approval – not instant decisions. If you assert it can occur in an hour, that reveals how your government would operate. It’s a mockery of the Constitution and a disrespect to Ambedkar.”

Trivedi further criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, questioning her leadership and cautioning against the repercussions of non-compliance with central laws.

“Mamata Banerjee must reflect - if a district government refused to adhere to her state’s regulations, would she accept it? Then how can a state defy a central law? Her party is influenced by extremists, and her statement poses a threat to the nation. She cannot simply oppose a law enacted by Parliament,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 officially took effect on April 8, after receiving presidential assent on April 5. The BJP-led NDA government defends the law as a measure to enhance transparency and empower marginalized segments within the Muslim community, particularly women.

However, numerous Muslim organizations, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), along with opposition parties, have expressed strong objections. Many have approached the Supreme Court, labeling the Act as discriminatory and unconstitutional.

In response to the law’s implementation, protests have escalated in various regions across the country.

In West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, violent protests erupted against the Waqf Act, leading to three fatalities and over 200 arrests.

The Calcutta High Court reacted by ordering the immediate deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to restore order.