The General Secretary of RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), Dattatreya Hosabale, questioned the inclusion of specific terms in the Constitution on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency. Hosabale stated that 'Socialism' and 'Secularism' were added during the Emergency and should now be reconsidered.
This statement ignited turmoil in political circles. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi targeted the RSS and BJP, stating that once again the mask of the RSS has come off. BJP, on the other hand, supports Hosabale's statement.
What did Dattatreya Hosabale say?
Dattatreya Hosabale remarked, 'Two words were added - Secularism and Socialism. Should they remain? The name of Babasaheb Ambedkar and his Constitution have been central to Indian politics over the past few years. The ongoing government versus opposition struggle over the Constitution has been visible to all. Amidst these dynamics, as the 50th anniversary of the Emergency is commemorated, Dattatreya Hosabale, who holds the second-highest position in the RSS, raised questions about the 42nd amendment of the Indian Constitution. He maintained that the preamble drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar was altered by Indira's government when words like Socialism and Secularism were added in 1976.'
Hosabale further stated, 'During this Emergency, two words were added to India's Constitution's preamble. Everyone knows Secularism and Socialism were not originally in the preamble. Initially, these words were added to the preamble, but later there has been no attempt to remove them. Discussion has ensued with arguments from both sides. Should they remain? This should be considered in the preamble.'
What did Rahul Gandhi say?
Hosabale's simple remark prompted a united opposition onslaught against the RSS and BJP. Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, attacked the RSS and BJP on the social media platform X, writing, 'The mask of the RSS has fallen off again. They are agitated by the Constitution because it advocates for equality, secularism, and justice. The RSS and BJP do not want the Constitution but Manusmriti. They aim to strip the rights of the backward and the poor, rendering them slaves once again. Their real agenda is to deprive them of the powerful weapon that is the Constitution. The RSS should stop dreaming, we will never allow them to succeed. Every patriotic Indian will defend the Constitution to their last breath.'
Read also: Adding 'Secular-Socialist' to the Constitution was redundant; the RSS demand to remove it is baseless
What did Sanjay Raut and Aditya Thackeray say?
MP Sanjay Raut from the Shiv Sena Uddhav faction went even further, alleging that the RSS had supported the Emergency, while Aditya Thackeray indicated Hosabale's statement was a distraction from the language dispute in Maharashtra.
What did Shivraj Singh Chouhan say?
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan supported Hosabale's statement, escalating the controversy. Shivraj asserted, 'Sarva Dharma Samabhav is the essence of Indian culture. Secularism is not the core of our culture, and hence, the word added during the Emergency should be reconsidered. Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niraamayaah - this is India's core sentiment. Therefore, there is no need for Socialism. For years we've advocated that Sita Ram represents unity for all. So, even the word Socialism is unnecessary. The nation must deliberate on this.'
Debate on the Constitution is not new, but this time the issue revolves around the two words that have become integral to India's identity.
