Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has ignited a debate about the Preamble to the Indian Constitution, emphasizing its foundational and unalterable nature while questioning the circumstances under which it was amended during the Emergency in 1976.

Dhankhar stated that the Preamble is the soul, seed, and basis upon which the Constitution has grown. He highlighted that India is unique in that its Preamble has been changed, referring to the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976, which added the words "socialist", "secular", and "integrity". He views this amendment, enacted during the Emergency, as a "travesty of justice" and a "sacrilege to the spirit of Sanatana". He argues that it was wrong to alter something fundamental when the nation was in a vulnerable state, with civil liberties suppressed and many citizens imprisoned.

Dhankhar's comments follow a call from Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale to review the inclusion of "socialist" and "secular" in the Preamble. Hosabale argued that these terms were "forcibly" inserted during the Emergency and were not part of the original Constitution drafted by B.R. Ambedkar. Two Union Ministers, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Dr. Jitendra Singh, have also backed Hosabale's comments. Chouhan stated that the core of Indian culture is "Sarva Dharma Sambhav" (equal respect for all religions) and that there is no need for socialism. Singh questioned who would oppose removing "secular" and "socialist" from the Preamble, arguing they were not part of the original document.

These statements have sparked criticism from opposition parties, who accuse the RSS and BJP of undermining the Constitution and promoting a hidden agenda. They argue that the principles of secularism and socialism are essential to India's identity and should not be discarded.

Dhankhar has said that the Preamble is not merely a preface but an essential part of the Constitution. He quoted Justice HR Khanna, who stated that the Preamble serves as a guide to interpreting the Constitution and indicates that its authority comes from the people of India. Dhankhar believes that changing the Preamble during the Emergency was a betrayal of the Constitution's framers' mindset and belittled the country's civilizational wealth and knowledge.

The Vice President's remarks and the ongoing debate highlight the complex and sensitive issues surrounding India's constitutional identity. The addition of "socialist," "secular," and "integrity" during a period of national crisis raises questions about the legitimacy and impact of such amendments. The discussion also touches upon the interpretation of secularism in the Indian context and whether it aligns with the concept of "Sarva Dharma Sambhav". As India commemorates the 75th anniversary of its republic, these debates are likely to continue, prompting a deeper reflection on the values and principles that define the nation.