Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has stirred political controversy by asserting that ‘secularism is not the core of Indian culture’ and advocating for its removal from the Constitution’s Preamble. Speaking at an event marking 50 years of the Emergency, Chouhan also questioned the relevance of ‘socialism’, echoing recent calls by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to revisit these terms.
🗣️ Chouhan’s Key Remarks
- “Secularism was added during the Emergency. It should be removed. Live and let live is the basic sentiment of India,” Chouhan said during a speech in Varanasi
- He argued that ‘socialism’ and ‘secularism’ were not part of the original Constitution drafted by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and were inserted during the 1976 Emergency under Indira Gandhi’s regime
- The minister described the Emergency as a “dark period” and recounted his own arrest and torture as a 16-year-old activist opposing it
🧾 RSS and Political Reactions
- The remarks came a day after RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale called for a review of the Preamble, stating that the additions were “distortions” of the Constitution’s original spirit
- Congress and Samajwadi Party leaders condemned the statements, accusing the BJP and RSS of attempting to undermine democratic values
- UP Congress chief Ajay Rai said the comments “validate our long-standing concerns about the BJP’s disregard for constitutional principles”
📌 Why It Matters
- The debate touches on foundational values of the Indian Republic, with implications for constitutional interpretation, minority rights, and political identity
- It reignites discussions on the legacy of the Emergency, and the balance between tradition and modern constitutionalism
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