Congress Alleges Removal of ‘Socialist and Secular’ from New Constitution Copies

Congress Alleges Removal of 'Socialist and Secular' from New Constitution Copies

VoM News Desk | September 20, 2023 | 07:40 AM IST | Breaking News, Politics | Follow on Google News

Congress Alleges Removal of ‘Socialist and Secular’ from New Constitution Copies

Congress leader and Lok Sabha leader of Opposition, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, has raised concerns over the new copies of the Constitution distributed to MPs in the recently inaugurated Parliament building. These copies, according to Chowdhury, no longer include the words “socialist” and “secular,” which are prominently featured in India’s preamble.

A Constitutional Surprise

Chowdhury expressed his apprehension, stating, “The new copies of the Constitution that were given to us today (19th September), the one we held in our hands and entered (the new Parliament building), its Preamble doesn’t have the words ‘socialist secular.’ We know that the words were added after an amendment in 1976, but if someone gives us the Constitution today and it doesn’t have those words, it is a matter of concern.”

Doubts and Suspicions Arise

Chowdhury further questioned the government’s motives, suspecting a hidden agenda. He remarked, “Their intention is suspicious. It has been done cleverly. It is a matter of concern for me. I tried to raise this issue, but I did not get an opportunity to raise this issue.”

Historical Context of “Socialist” and “Secular”

The terms “socialist” and “secular” were introduced into the preamble of the Indian Constitution through the 42nd Amendment in 1976, during the Emergency period led by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. These additions were made to reassure the nation that minority communities would be safeguarded, and economic dominance by the privileged class would be prevented.

Nehru and Ambedkar’s Perspectives

Interestingly, both India’s first Prime Minister, Jawahar Lal Nehru, and the Architect of the Indian Constitution, B.R. Ambedkar, held strong commitments to secularism. However, they were cautious about including “secular” in the Constitution. Ambedkar, recognizing the evolving nature of Indian society, stated, “What should be the policy of the State, how the Society should be organised in its social and economic side are matters which must be decided by the people themselves according to time and circumstances. It cannot be laid down in the Constitution itself because that is destroying democracy altogether.”

The Concept of Secularism in India’s Preamble

Although “secularism” was not explicitly inserted into the Constitution, it was embedded in the constitutional philosophy. The Constituent Assembly adopted Articles 25, 26, and 27, reflecting the essence of secularism.

The Impact of the 1975 Emergency

The turning point came on 26 June 1975, when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of Emergency. A comprehensive document granted extraordinary powers to the Parliament, leading to significant changes in various parts of the Constitution, including the preamble. The description of India was transformed from a “sovereign, democratic republic” to a “sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic.”

In light of Chowdhury’s concerns, the absence of “socialist” and “secular” from the new Constitution copies has sparked debate and controversy, raising questions about the preservation of India’s constitutional values.

VoM News Desk

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