RSS Calls for Review of 'Socialist' and 'Secular' in Constitution's Preamble
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has called for a review of the words 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale argued the terms were added during the Emergency and were not part of the original document drafted by B.R. Ambedkar. The statement has drawn sharp criticism from the Congress party, which alleges it is part of a long-standing conspiracy to undermine the Constitution's basic structure and vision.
Unpacked:
The words 'socialist' and 'secular' were added during the Emergency through the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976, under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. They were intended to clarify the government's commitment to social justice and religious neutrality, but were introduced during a period of curtailed democratic processes, making their inclusion controversial.
Supporters of removal, like the RSS, argue that the terms restrict policy choices and were imposed without adequate debate, reflecting the Congress government's authoritarianism during the Emergency. Opponents, including Congress, believe the terms are essential, reflecting India's pluralistic, inclusive ethos and reinforcing government neutrality in religious matters.
India's Supreme Court has upheld the inclusion of 'socialist' and 'secular', affirming Parliament's authority to amend the Preamble. Landmark rulings, including Kesavananda Bharati and SR Bommai, recognized secularism as a basic feature of the Constitution, and a 2024 judgment reiterated that these amendments were validly enacted.
The demand comes amid the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, a period seen by critics as marked by authoritarianism and constitutional overreach. The RSS and allied groups have long contended that these terms were not part of Ambedkar's original vision and were inserted undemocratically by the Congress, fueling ongoing political debate.