Is 'jumla' the Right Term for RSS's Call to Review 'Socialist' and 'Secular' Before BMC Polls?
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Synopsis
Prakash Yashwant Ambedkar, grandson of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, dismisses the RSS's push to amend the Constitution's Preamble as mere electoral maneuvering ahead of the BMC elections. His insights raise critical questions about the implications of such changes on secularism in India.
Key Takeaways
- Ambedkar's stance on the RSS's push reflects a broader political strategy.
- The terms 'Socialist' and 'Secular' are vital to the Indian Constitution.
- Language policies can be divisive in Indian politics.
- Electoral alliances can lead to unexpected consequences.
- Political discourse can influence voter sentiments significantly.
Mumbai, June 28 (NationPress) Prakash Yashwant Ambedkar, the President of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi and the grandson of Dr B.R Ambedkar, the principal architect of India's Constitution, labeled the call by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to reconsider the terms “Socialist” and “Secular” in the Constitution’s Preamble as a “jumla”. He regarded it as a mere strategy ahead of the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
During an event in New Delhi on Thursday, RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale firmly advocated for the removal of the terms “Socialist” and “Secular” from the Constitution's Preamble.
In an interview with IANS, Prakash Yashwant Ambedkar asserted, “This amendment was made during the Emergency when the words ‘Socialism’ and ‘Secularism’ were introduced. Since then, various governments have come and gone. Their current government is in power at the Centre. If it truly irritates them, why don't they remove it? They cannot eliminate it because numerous Sections of the Constitution enforce Secularism and Socialism.
“You may erase these words from the Preamble, but how do you plan to expunge them from the Constitution itself? This is all just a ‘jumla’ designed to captivate voters before the BMC elections. The discussion about removing 'Secularism' and 'Socialism' from the Preamble is merely a campaign tactic.”
Ambedkar also addressed the ongoing debate regarding the mandatory inclusion of Hindi in Maharashtra schools — a decision that has unified Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and MNS leader Raj Thackeray against the move. The Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP has also joined their dissent.
“I don’t see any issue with opposing the initiative itself. The real question is, why is the NCP, an uninvited participant, joining in while the Congress remains absent? Is this a rally of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, or just these two or three parties? They need to clarify this.”
“Regarding Hindi, it's recognized as the official language. When I was in school and college, Hindi was an optional subject. In my opinion, ninety percent of students opted to learn it as an elective. This move to mandate Hindi is, in my belief, part of a calculated strategy to sow discord,” he told IANS.
He further criticized the collaboration of Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS on this matter, warning that it might have electoral ramifications.
“Both parties’ joint rally on the Hindi issue indicates their potential to unite. They could also jointly contest the BMC elections. But the pressing question is, what action will the NCP (Sharad Pawar) take now that it has allied with them?”
Ambedkar elaborated, alleging “match-fixing” between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray to simulate opposition to the National Education Policy's promotion of Hindi.
“The government enforces Hindi in the state under the National Education Policy, and Raj Thackeray opposes it. To me, it seems like there’s collusion between the two. Their alliance might cost Uddhav Thackeray in the BMC elections. In Maharashtra, especially in Mumbai, people already converse in Hindi daily. However, there is a substantial migrant population in Mumbai that traditionally supports Uddhav during the BMC elections. Following this agitation, those voters might shift their allegiance away from him,” he concluded.
Point of View
It's imperative to recognize the nuance behind Prakash Ambedkar's comments. The intersection of politics and constitutional values is crucial in understanding the electoral landscape. The ongoing debates on secularism and language policies are not merely election strategies but reflect deeper societal divisions that require careful navigation.
NationPress
28/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Prakash Ambedkar say about the RSS's call?
Prakash Ambedkar dismissed the RSS's call to review 'Socialist' and 'Secular' in the Preamble as a 'jumla', suggesting it is a tactic for the BMC elections.
What is the significance of the terms 'Socialist' and 'Secular'?
These terms are fundamental to the Constitution and reflect India's commitment to socialism and secularism, which are upheld by various sections of the Constitution.
How does Ambedkar view the push for Hindi in schools?
Ambedkar sees the move to make Hindi compulsory as a strategy to create divisions and questions the motives behind the political coalition opposing it.
What are the electoral implications of these issues?
Ambedkar warns that the alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS on the Hindi issue could backfire, potentially alienating their traditional voter base.
What does Ambedkar suggest about the opposition to the National Education Policy?
He implies that the opposition might be more about political maneuvering than genuine concern for educational policy.
