Did Lalu Prasad Really Condemn RSS Leader Hosabale's Call for a Constitutional Review?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Lalu Prasad's fierce rebuttal of Dattatreya Hosabale's call to reconsider the Constitution's Preamble highlights growing tensions over India's democratic foundations. With the opposition uniting against perceived threats to constitutional values, this debate is pivotal for the future of Indian democracy.
Key Takeaways
- Lalu Prasad firmly opposes any alterations to the Constitution.
- The Preamble's commitment to socialism and secularism is crucial to India's identity.
- Hosabale’s comments have sparked widespread political backlash.
- Opposition leaders are rallying to protect constitutional guarantees.
- The 50th anniversary of the Emergency adds historical context to the debate.
Patna, June 27 (NationPress) The chief of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Lalu Prasad, has strongly criticized RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale for suggesting a reassessment of the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, labeling it as a direct assault on democratic values.
Lalu's comments followed Hosabale's media statements on Thursday, where he advocated for a discussion on removing the words 'Socialist' and 'Secular' from the Preamble, claiming these terms were introduced during the Emergency and do not resonate with modern India.
During an event in Delhi, Hosabale stated, "There should be a debate on their relevance. I express this from a venue named after Babasaheb Ambedkar, whose original Constitution did not feature these terms in the Preamble."
These statements sparked intense backlash from both the Congress and the RJD, though Shiv Sena voiced support for the proposal.
Lalu firmly asserted, "No one has the right to alter the Constitution."
In a social media post on X, Lalu criticized the RSS’s proposition, questioning, "Why do those with unethical motives harbor such animosity towards democracy and Baba Saheb's Constitution?"
He emphasized that the Preamble's dedication to socialist redistribution and secular pluralism is an essential part of India's Republic, deeply rooted in Ambedkar's vision.
Hosabale claimed that these principles were not part of the original framework and suggested their inclusion during Indira Gandhi's Emergency (1975–77) merits re-evaluation.
This week also marked the 50th anniversary of the Emergency declaration on June 25, 1975, a time when both socialist and secular principles were formally integrated into the Preamble.
Previously, Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary and CM Nitish Kumar referred to the Emergency as a “dark chapter” in India's history.
Lalu's remarks resonate with a growing chorus among opposition leaders, warning against any regression in constitutional rights and may bolster calls for unity among Grand Alliance parties in response to BJP-RSS activities.
Point of View
The ongoing discussions surrounding the Constitution's Preamble highlight a vital moment in Indian politics. The growing backlash against any attempts to alter its foundational values signifies a commitment to upholding the principles of democracy, socialism, and secularism as envisioned by the framers, particularly Ambedkar. As the nation navigates through various political narratives, it is crucial to reinforce the importance of these constitutional guarantees.
NationPress
27/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Lalu Prasad say about the RSS leader's remarks?
Lalu Prasad condemned Dattatreya Hosabale's call to review the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, stating it is an attack on democratic values.
What were the specific words Hosabale suggested removing from the Preamble?
Hosabale proposed discussing the removal of the terms 'Socialist' and 'Secular' from the Preamble.
What is the significance of the Emergency in this context?
The Emergency, declared in 1975, is significant as it was during this period that the terms 'Socialist' and 'Secular' were added to the Preamble, raising questions about their relevance today.
How did other political leaders respond to Hosabale's comments?
The Congress and RJD criticized Hosabale's remarks, while Shiv Sena expressed support for the proposal.
What is the broader implication of this debate on India's democracy?
This debate underscores the ongoing struggle to maintain constitutional values and the importance of unity among opposition parties against perceived threats to democracy.
