A growing debate has emerged concerning the words "socialist" and "secular" in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, with ministers calling for a review of their inclusion. This call has sparked controversy, drawing reactions from various political figures and raising questions about the Constitution's fundamental principles.

The contention stems from the fact that the terms "socialist" and "secular" were not part of the original Constitution drafted by B.R. Ambedkar, but were added during the Emergency in 1976 through the 42nd Amendment. This period in Indian history was marked by authoritarian rule, with civil liberties suspended and democratic institutions undermined.

Dattatreya Hosabale, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary, has been a prominent voice advocating for a review. Speaking at an event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, Hosabale argued that these words were forcibly inserted during a time when the nation's democratic foundations were weakened. He has called for a reconsideration of their place in the Preamble.

Echoing this sentiment, Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that any "right-thinking citizen" would endorse a review, emphasizing that these words were not part of the original Constitution. Another Union Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, questioned the necessity of the word "secularism," arguing that equality of all religions is already ingrained in Indian ethos.

Conversely, the opposition has strongly criticized the call for review. All India Congress Committee general secretary K.C. Venugopal has accused the RSS and BJP of conspiring to amend the Constitution and undermining its core values. He asserted that secularism and socialism are essential principles and vowed to resist any attempts to remove them. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also condemned the RSS's stance, alleging that they lack faith in democracy and aim to impose Manusmriti, an ancient Hindu legal text, in the country.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has weighed in on the debate, calling the Preamble the "soul of the Constitution". While acknowledging that India is the only country to have amended its Preamble, he criticized the Indira Gandhi-led government for altering something considered unchangeable. He highlighted that the 42nd Amendment added "Socialist, Secular and integrity" to the Preamble.

The debate over these words in the Preamble reflects broader ideological differences. Supporters of the review argue that their inclusion during the Emergency was undemocratic and that they do not align with the original vision of the Constitution. Opponents, however, maintain that these terms are crucial for upholding the values of social justice and religious harmony, and that any attempt to remove them would be a step backward.

The implications of this debate are significant, as the Preamble serves as the guiding philosophy of the Constitution. Any changes to its text could have far-reaching consequences for the interpretation and application of laws, and for the overall direction of the country.