In a bold and contentious move, Dattatreya Hosabale, the general secretary (Sarkaryavah) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has ignited a heated debate by proposing the removal of the words "Socialist" and "Secular" from the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. Hosabale argues that these additions in 1976, during the Emergency era under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, contradict the original vision of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Constitution. According to Hosabale, Ambedkar opposed the inclusion of these terms during the Constituent Assembly debates. He asserts that India's cultural ethos, epitomised by principles like Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava (equal respect for all religions), renders the term 'secular' unnecessary in the Preamble. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has echoed this sentiment, emphasising that India's historical and philosophical foundations do not align with the concept of 'secularism' as understood in Western contexts. The RSS leader's comments, while historically accurate in terms of Ambedkar's reservations, have stirred political turbulence, particularly with Bihar's assembly elections looming. Opposition parties, including Congress and RJD, have swiftly seized upon Hosabale's suggestion as an opportunity to critique the BJP-led government. They argue that any attempt to amend the Preamble could undermine India's secular fabric and constitutional integrity. Notably, the amendment to include 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble was part of the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976, introduced during the period of national Emergency. This amendment, pushed through by the Indira Gandhi government, aimed to underscore India's commitment to socialist principles and secular governance amidst political turmoil.
Against this backdrop, it is apt to mention here that critics of Hosabale's proposal argue that tampering with the Preamble, a foundational document reflecting the aspirations of India's diverse population, could set a dangerous precedent. They highlight the historical context of these amendments and the broader implications for religious and social harmony in India. In response to the backlash, supporters of the RSS viewpoint emphasise the need for a nuanced understanding of constitutional principles vis-à-vis India's cultural ethos. They contend that the original intent of the Constitution should be preserved, respecting Ambedkar's caution against ideological imposition through constitutional mandates. With the Bihar elections imminent, the controversy surrounding Hosabale's proposal has escalated into a pivotal electoral issue. Opposition parties hope to capitalise on public sentiments, portraying the RSS suggestion as a threat to India's constitutional integrity. Meanwhile, proponents argue for a reevaluation that aligns with the evolving socio-political landscape and cultural ethos of the nation. As the debate intensifies, the future of the Preamble amendments remains uncertain, with political rhetoric poised to influence public opinion in the run-up to the electoral showdown in Bihar.
By Deepak Kumar Rath
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