In a clear departure from the recent views expressed by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the central government on Thursday told the Rajya Sabha that it has no intention to remove the words “socialist” and “secular” from the Preamble of the Constitution.
Responding to a written question, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal stated:
“The government has not formally initiated any legal or constitutional process to remove the words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ from the Preamble of the Constitution. While there may be discussions or debates in certain public or political circles, no formal decision or proposal has been announced by the government regarding amendments to these terms.”
The minister’s reply comes in contrast to recent remarks by RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosbole, who had advocated for dropping the terms from the Preamble, arguing that their insertion during the Emergency was undemocratic as it was done by a Lok Sabha that had already completed its five-year term. Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar had echoed similar sentiments, calling the additions “festering sores.”
Meghwal indirectly responded to these criticisms by acknowledging that,
“Regarding the atmosphere created by office bearers of some social organisations, it is possible that certain groups are expressing opinions or advocating for reconsideration of these words. Such activities can create a public discourse or atmosphere around the issue, but this does not necessarily reflect the official stance or actions of the government.”
The inclusion of the terms “socialist” and “secular” was made through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment during the Emergency in 1976, a period often criticised for suspension of fundamental rights, mass arrests of Opposition leaders, and the postponement of elections.
Addressing the legal position, Meghwal cited Supreme Court observations, stating that the term “socialism” in the Indian context refers to the idea of a welfare state and does not hinder the growth of the private sector. On “secularism”, the minister underlined that it forms a part of the Constitution’s basic structure and cannot be amended.
