Is Preamble Tampering a Blot on the Constitution and a Betrayal of the Sanatan Soul?
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Synopsis
In a fiery address, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar condemned the 1976 amendment to the Constitution's Preamble, labeling it a betrayal of India's Sanatan soul. This speech, resonating with RSS ideology, raises crucial questions about the sanctity and integrity of our Constitution.
Key Takeaways
- Vice President Dhankhar's strong critique of the 1976 amendment highlights ongoing concerns over constitutional integrity.
- The speech aligns with the broader RSS ideology regarding Preamble modifications.
- Calls for restoring the original Preamble are gaining momentum.
- Political polarization and caste divisions are cited as threats to India's unity.
- Dhankhar's emphasis on B.R. Ambedkar underscores the need for constitutional sanctity.
New Delhi, June 28 (NationPress) In a powerful address echoing the ideological beliefs of the RSS, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar vehemently criticized the 1976 amendment to the Constitution’s Preamble, labeling it a “nasoor” (festering wound) and an “unpardonable insult to the Sanatan soul of India.”
At a book launch at the Vice President’s residence, he asserted, “The Preamble is the soul of the Constitution. It was disfigured during the darkest phase of Indian democracy – the Emergency – when terms like ‘Socialist’, ‘Secular’, and ‘Integrity’ were inserted under coercion.”
Denouncing the 42nd Amendment as “an unjust and illegitimate act,” Dhankhar remarked, “We altered something that should never have been changed. And that too, not by the will of the people but at a time when the people, the source of power, were behind bars.”
Aligning with the long-held RSS critique of secularism and socialism, he pointed out that no other nation has modified the Preamble of its Constitution, describing the 1976 changes as “a betrayal of our civilizational ethos and the intentions of our Constitution makers.”
Citing landmark Supreme Court rulings, including Kesavananda Bharati and Golaknath, he reminded those present that the Supreme Court has consistently viewed the Preamble as the guiding light of the Constitution.
Referencing B.R. Ambedkar as a “visionary who lives in our soul,” the Vice President emphasized the need to preserve the sanctity of the Constitution and cautioned against the rising political polarization and caste-based divisions that jeopardize India’s unity.
His comments are poised to escalate the ongoing discussion regarding the restoration of the ‘original Preamble,’ a demand that is gaining momentum within saffron circles.
Recently, RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale ignited a political controversy by calling for the removal of the terms ‘socialism’ and ‘secularism’ from the Constitution's Preamble, claiming they were inserted “forcibly” during the Emergency.
This has prompted opposition parties, including the Congress and various national and regional factions, to intensify their criticism of the RSS for promoting a narrative that has simmered in saffron circles for decades.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach this debate with a balanced view, ensuring that discussions on constitutional amendments remain rooted in democratic principles and the will of the people.
NationPress
28/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Vice President Dhankhar say about the 1976 amendment?
Vice President Dhankhar referred to the 1976 amendment as a “nasoor” (festering wound) and an “unpardonable insult” to the Sanatan soul of India.
What are the implications of his speech?
His speech is likely to amplify calls for restoring the original Preamble and intensify the ongoing political debate regarding the amendment.
How does this relate to RSS ideology?
Dhankhar's remarks align with the RSS's long-standing criticism of the terms ‘socialism’ and ‘secularism’ included in the Preamble.
