Dattatreya Hosabale, the General Secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has reignited a long-standing debate by calling for a reconsideration of the inclusion of the words "socialist" and "secular" in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. Speaking at an event in New Delhi on Thursday, Hosabale asserted that these terms, inserted during the Emergency period under the Indira Gandhi government, were not part of the original Constitution drafted by B.R. Ambedkar. He argued that the circumstances under which these words were added—a period marked by suspended fundamental rights, a paralyzed Parliament, and a weakened judiciary—warrant a contemporary review of their appropriateness in the nation's foundational document.

Hosabale's statement coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, a period that the RSS views as a dark chapter in India's democratic history. He emphasized that the Congress party, which was in power during the Emergency, should apologize for the excesses committed at the time. These excesses, according to Hosabale, included the jailing of thousands, forced sterilizations, and the suppression of media and judicial freedoms. He criticized the fact that, in his view, those responsible for these actions have not yet been held accountable or expressed remorse.

The inclusion of "socialist" and "secular" in the Preamble occurred through the 42nd Amendment in 1976. This amendment, enacted during the Emergency, altered the description of India from a "sovereign democratic republic" to a "sovereign, socialist secular democratic republic." Critics of the amendment, including those within the RSS, argue that it was pushed through under duress, without proper parliamentary debate or public consultation. They contend that the original Preamble, as envisioned by the framers of the Constitution, was sufficient in capturing the essence of India's socio-political values.

Hosabale questioned whether the ideology of socialism should be considered an eternal principle for India. He suggested that a national dialogue is necessary to determine whether these terms align with the country's long-term goals and values.

Adding weight to the discussion, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also condemned the Emergency as "a sin that can never be forgotten." He described the inclusion of "secular" and "socialist" in the Preamble as "an attack on India's soul," echoing the sentiment that these additions were illegitimate and detrimental to the nation's core identity.

It is important to note that the Supreme Court of India dismissed petitions challenging the 1976 amendment in November 2024, upholding the inclusion of "socialist," "secular," and "integrity" in the Preamble. However, the RSS's renewed call for debate suggests that the issue remains a point of contention for some segments of Indian society.