**RSS Leader Calls for Removal of ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ from Constitution Preamble**
**Meta Description:** RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale advocates for the removal of ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ from the Constitution’s Preamble, criticizing Congress for the Emergency.
**URL Slug:** rss-removal-socialist-secular-constitution
**Headline:** RSS General Secretary Advocates for Constitutional Changes Amid Emergency Remembrance
In a recent address in Delhi, Dattatreya Hosabale, the General Secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), urged for the removal of the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ from the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. His remarks coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, a period marked by significant political turmoil and civil rights violations in India.
The Emergency was declared on June 25, 1975, by the Congress government led by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. This 21-month period, which lasted until March 21, 1977, saw the suspension of civil liberties, widespread arrests of opposition leaders, and severe restrictions on the press. Hosabale’s comments came as the nation reflected on this dark chapter in its democratic history.
During the event, Hosabale emphasized the need to reconsider the inclusion of ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Constitution, arguing that these terms were added during the Emergency and do not reflect the true spirit of the nation. He called for the Congress party to apologize for the imposition of the Emergency, stating, “Those who did such things are today moving around with the Constitution’s copy. They have still not apologized. Your ancestors did it. You must apologize for this to the country,” directing his remarks towards Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Recalling the oppressive conditions of the Emergency, Hosabale highlighted the extensive human rights abuses that occurred, including the imprisonment and torture of thousands, as well as the curtailment of judicial independence and media freedom. He also noted the controversial forced sterilization programs that took place during this time.
These statements from Hosabale followed the BJP-led central government’s observance of June 25 as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas,’ marking the anniversary of the Emergency. The government used this occasion to honor those who suffered during this period, describing it as a time of “inhuman pain” for many citizens.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reflected on the Emergency, labeling it one of the darkest periods in India’s democratic journey. He criticized the Congress party for undermining the Constitution and placing democracy “under arrest,” emphasizing that the voices of Parliament were silenced and attempts were made to control the judiciary.
As discussions around the legacy of the Emergency continue, the call for constitutional reform raises important questions about the values enshrined in India’s foundational document and the ongoing impact of historical events on contemporary politics.
**FAQ Section**
**Q: Why does the RSS want to remove ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ from the Constitution?**
A: The RSS argues that these terms were added during the Emergency and do not reflect the true spirit of the nation, advocating for a reevaluation of their relevance in the Preamble.
