📰 ‘Socialist’, ‘Secular’ in Preamble: Shivraj Singh, MoS Jitendra Singh Back Hosabale, Opposition Reacts Sharply
A renewed debate has erupted over the inclusion of the words “socialist” and “secular” in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, after senior RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale questioned their relevance. The remarks have received backing from former Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh, triggering a sharp response from the opposition.
🗣️ What Did Hosabale Say?
Hosabale had suggested that the terms “socialist” and “secular” were inserted during the Emergency in 1976 and were not part of the original Preamble framed by the Constituent Assembly. He hinted that the words are ideologically loaded and may not reflect the broad consensus that formed the core of the Constitution.
👥 Leaders Who Backed the Statement
Shivraj Singh Chouhan supported Hosabale, stating that the time has come to “revisit constitutional insertions done under duress.”
MoS Jitendra Singh echoed similar sentiments, suggesting the original values of the Constitution were distorted for political motives.
⚔️ Opposition Hits Back
The Congress, Left parties, and other opposition voices strongly condemned the remarks:
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said it was an attempt to "erase the soul of the Constitution."
CPI(M)’s Sitaram Yechury accused the BJP-RSS ecosystem of “rewriting history.”
📜 Constitutional Context
The words “socialist” and “secular” were inserted into the Preamble by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976 during Indira Gandhi’s Emergency regime. Although controversial, they have remained integral in defining the constitutional identity of India since.
❓ FAQ Section
Q1: What is the controversy about the Preamble?
The controversy centers around whether the words “socialist” and “secular” should remain in the Constitution’s Preamble, as they were added during the Emergency.
Q2: Who is Dattatreya Hosabale?
He is the General Secretary of the RSS, the ideological parent of the BJP, who suggested these terms do not reflect India's foundational vision.
Q3: What did Shivraj Singh and MoS Jitendra Singh say?
Both leaders backed Hosabale's stance, advocating for re-evaluation of constitutional terms inserted during the Emergency period.
Q4: What is the opposition’s stand?
The opposition strongly condemned the remarks, accusing BJP and RSS of attempting to dilute India’s constitutional principles.
Q5: Can these terms be removed from the Preamble?
Any change to the Constitution, including the Preamble, would require a constitutional amendment passed by a two-thirds majority in Parliament.
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Reported by Benny on June 28, 2025.
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