As India marks the 46th anniversary of the Emergency, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has called for a review of the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Constitution’s preamble. The RSS, the ideological parent of India’s ruling party, has blamed the Congress for the excesses committed during the Emergency and has demanded an official apology for the same.
The Emergency, which lasted from 1975 to 1977, was one of the darkest chapters in India’s history. It was a time when fundamental rights were suspended, the press was censored, and dissent was crushed. The RSS has always been critical of the Emergency and has now used the occasion of its anniversary to push for a review of the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Constitution’s preamble.
In its statement, the RSS has argued that the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ were added to the Constitution during the Emergency without any debate or discussion. It believes that these terms were inserted to serve the interests of the then ruling party and its allies, rather than reflecting the will of the people. The RSS has also pointed out that the words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ were not part of the original Constitution drafted by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
While the RSS has called for a review of these terms, it has made it clear that it is not questioning the need for a socially just and inclusive society. The organization has always been committed to the welfare of all sections of society and has worked towards promoting harmony and unity among people of different religions and castes. However, it believes that the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ have been misused and have become tools to divide and polarize society.
The RSS has also blamed the Congress for the excesses committed during the Emergency. It has accused the party of using the state machinery to suppress dissent and curtail the freedom of speech and expression. The RSS believes that the Congress must take responsibility for its actions and issue an official apology to the people of India for the atrocities committed during the Emergency.
This call for a review of the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Constitution’s preamble is not new. The RSS has been advocating for this for a long time. In fact, in 2015, the then RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had called for a debate on these terms, stating that the terms were not in line with the Indian ethos and needed to be revisited.
The RSS’s demand for a review of these terms has sparked a debate among political parties and intellectuals. While some have welcomed the call for a review, others have criticized it, saying that it goes against the basic principles of the Constitution. However, it is important to note that the RSS is not questioning the fundamental principles of socialism and secularism, but rather raising concerns about their misuse.
India is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage. It is a land where people of different religions, castes, and communities coexist harmoniously. The Constitution of India, which is the guiding light of our nation, reflects this diversity and promotes unity and equality. However, it is also important to acknowledge that there have been instances where the principles of secularism and socialism have been misused for political gains.
As we mark the 46th anniversary of the Emergency, let us use this opportunity to reflect on the values enshrined in our Constitution and work towards creating a more inclusive and just society. The call for a review of the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Constitution’s preamble is a step towards ensuring that these principles are not misused and are in line with the ethos of our nation.
The RSS’s demand for an official apology from the Congress for the excesses committed during the Emergency is also a significant step. It is time for all political parties to come together and acknowledge the mistakes of the past and work towards building a better future for our nation.
In conclusion, on this anniversary of the Emergency, let us remember the importance of upholding the values of our Constitution and strive towards creating a united and progressive India. The RSS’s call for a review of the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ should be seen as a positive step towards strengthening our democratic principles and promoting unity and equality in our diverse nation.
