Will Fight Tooth & Nail If Any Word Is Touched In Constitution: Kharge
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was reacting to RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale's call to review the words 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble to the Constitution
On Monday, June 30, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge made a strong statement regarding the integrity of the Indian Constitution, asserting that his party would “fight tooth and nail” against any attempts to alter its wording. This declaration came in response to remarks made by Dattatreya Hosabale, the general secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), who suggested a review of the terms “socialist” and “secular” in the Preamble of the Constitution.
Speaking to reporters at his residence in Bengaluru, Kharge characterized Hosabale as “a man of Manusmriti,” implying that his views are rooted in ancient texts that do not align with modern democratic values. He expressed concern that Hosabale’s ideology reflects a desire to maintain the status quo, stating, “He doesn’t want the poor class people to come up. And what was practiced thousands of years ago, he wants the same to continue.” Kharge emphasized that this perspective is fundamentally opposed to the principles of socialism, secularism, and the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity that the Constitution upholds.
Kharge further asserted that Hosabale’s views are not isolated but represent a broader agenda of the RSS. He pointed out that the RSS has historically been “against the poor people, the downtrodden, and Scheduled Castes and other communities.” This criticism highlights a perceived disconnect between the RSS’s claims of championing Hindu values and its actions regarding social justice and equality.
During a recent event commemorating the Emergency, Hosabale remarked, “The preamble of the Constitution Baba Saheb Ambedkar made never had these words.” He argued that the terms “socialist” and “secular” were added during a time when fundamental rights were suspended, Parliament was inactive, and the judiciary was compromised. He suggested that the inclusion of these words should be reconsidered, stating, “So whether they should remain in the Preamble should be considered.”
In response, Kharge challenged the RSS to take meaningful action rather than engage in rhetoric. He stated, “If they are so interested, they could have removed untouchability.” This comment underscores the ongoing issue of caste discrimination in India and the need for genuine efforts to address social inequalities. Kharge urged the RSS to mobilize its volunteers to combat untouchability and promote national unity, saying, “Instead of that, simply talking, making noise and creating confusion in the country—that is very bad, and we are against it.”
The Congress leader’s remarks reflect a broader concern among many political leaders and activists about the potential erosion of constitutional values in contemporary India. By defending the Preamble’s language, Kharge is not only advocating for the principles enshrined in the Constitution but also calling for a more inclusive society that uplifts marginalized communities.
Kharge’s emphatic stance against any changes to the Constitution’s wording serves as a rallying cry for those who believe in the foundational values of democracy and social justice. His assertion that the Congress party will “fight tooth and nail” against such alterations highlights the ongoing struggle to preserve the rights and dignity of all citizens in India. As the debate continues, it remains crucial for political leaders and citizens alike to engage in constructive dialogue about the future of the Constitution and the principles it embodies.
