Vice President Dhankhar Supports Idea Of Removing 'Secular', 'Socialist' Words From Constitution's Preamble

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar criticised the Congress for adding 'socialist', 'secular', and 'integrity' to the Constitution's Preamble during the Emergency. He described this as a "travesty of justice" and "sacrilege to the spirit of Sanatana". Dhankhar emphasised that the Preamble is unchangeable, serving as the Constitution's foundation and soul.

Debate on Constitutional Amendments

Dhankhar's comments echoed those of RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, who recently called for a national discussion on whether these terms should remain in the Preamble. Hosabale argued that these words were not part of the original draft by BR Ambedkar and were added during the Emergency from 1975 to 1977.

Referring to the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976, Dhankhar stated that these additions were made "casually, farcically, and with no sense of propriety". This was a time when many opposition leaders were imprisoned under Emergency rule. The Vice-President urged reflection on the original intentions of the Constitution's framers.

Political Reactions

Hosabale's remarks have sparked political backlash. The Congress and other opposition parties accused the RSS of "political opportunism" and an attack on foundational values. An editorial in Organiser, an RSS-affiliated magazine, supported reviewing these changes, aiming to restore what it termed as the Constitution's "original spirit".

Dhankhar further elaborated that adding these words during what he called "the darkest period for the Constitution" has altered its essence. He warned that such changes could create upheaval. His statements highlight concerns about maintaining the integrity of India's constitutional framework.

The Vice-President also highlighted Dr BR Ambedkar's exhaustive efforts in drafting both the Constitution and its Preamble. He suggested that instead of making changes, focus should have been placed on respecting Ambedkar's original work. This perspective underscores a call for preserving historical intent over contemporary alterations.