Debate on Removing 'Socialist' and 'Secular' from Indian Constitution Gains Momentum

Call for Discussion on Constitutional Terms

Dattatreya Hosabale, the General Secretary of the RSS, has initiated a discussion regarding the removal of the terms 'socialist' and 'secular' from the preamble of the Indian Constitution. He argued that these terms were added during the Emergency period (1975-1977) and deviated from the original draft prepared by B.R. Ambedkar. The preamble describes India as a 'sovereign socialist secular democratic republic,' with these terms being incorporated through the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976, during the Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Following this, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also joined the debate.

Chouhan's Remarks on Socialism and Secularism

On Friday, Chouhan stated that socialism is unnecessary in India and emphasized that secularism is not a core aspect of Indian culture. His comments are significant as they align with the RSS's call for a review of these terms in the Constitution's preamble, which they claim were never part of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's original document.

During an event in Varanasi marking the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, Chouhan remarked, 'There is no need for socialism in India... secularism is not the essence of our culture, and this should be reconsidered.'

Criticism from Political Leaders

Senior leader of the Samajwadi Party, Rajendra Chaudhary, criticized the BJP and RSS for suggesting the removal of 'socialist' and 'secular' from the Constitution's preamble. He stated that such remarks demonstrate the RSS-BJP's lack of faith in democracy and their attempts to undermine the Constitution.

Ajay Rai, the head of the Congress's Uttar Pradesh unit, echoed this sentiment, asserting that these statements confirm their long-held belief that the RSS-BJP do not respect the Constitution. He emphasized that the country belongs to everyone and that Congress will protect the Constitution at all costs.

Reflections on the Emergency

Recalling the Emergency, Chouhan noted that it was imposed by Indira Gandhi to preserve her power, stating there was no external or internal security threat at the time. He described the declaration of Emergency on the night of June 25, 1975, as a move to protect the Prime Minister's position without a Cabinet meeting.

Chouhan shared his personal experience, recalling that he was only 16 years old when he was arrested under the Defense of India Rules. He expressed that memories of those dark days still send chills down his spine, recounting the destruction of homes at Turkman Gate and the brutal suppression of dissent.

Constitutional Rights and Freedom of Press

He stated that the suspension of civil rights, the closure of press freedom, and the undermining of judicial authority were all acts against the Constitution. He condemned the Congress party, asserting that they have no right to hold a copy of the Constitution, as they are responsible for its violations during the Emergency.

Chouhan further criticized the Congress party, claiming that authoritarianism is ingrained in their DNA. He advised them to learn about democracy from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that the BJP respects democratic values, unlike the Congress, which he accused of making historical mistakes.