Assault on Constitution's soul: Opposition slams RSS' view on Preamble

The recent remarks by Dattatreya Hosabale, a senior functionary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), have ignited a fervent backlash from opposition leaders across India. Hosabale's suggestion to reconsider certain elements of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution has been met with staunch criticism, particularly from left-wing and secular parties. Critics argue that such proposals threaten the foundational principles of the nation, stirring fears of an ideological shift that could undermine the secular and democratic ethos enshrined in the Constitution. Among the vocal critics is CPI(M) leader and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who described Hosabale's call as a "brazen attempt to dismantle the core ideals of our Republic." Vijayan emphasized that the Preamble represents the soul of the Constitution, embodying values like justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. Altering these principles, he warned, could lead to a dilution of the country's commitment to pluralism and social justice, which are vital to maintaining India's unity in diversity. The debate over the Preamble has sparked a wider discourse on the role of the RSS in shaping the country's political landscape. Opposition leaders are urging citizens to remain vigilant against any attempts to rewrite constitutional values, framing the issue as a broader struggle to preserve India's democratic fabric. As discussions continue, the controversy underscores the ongoing tensions between differing visions for the nation's future, highlighting the need for dialogue and consensus in upholding India's constitutional legacy.

— Authored by Next24 Live