The RSS-BJP’s very ideology stands in direct opposition to the Indian Constitution.

RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale has openly called for the removal of the words 'socialist' and 'secular' from the Preamble. This is not just a suggestion—it is a deliberate assault on… pic.twitter.com/Xxmwm7Le96

— Congress (@INCIndia) June 26, 2025

A major political row erupted on Friday after Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale called for a review of the words “socialist” and “secular” in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. Speaking at an event marking 50 years since the Emergency, Hosabale noted that these words were added during the Emergency under the 42nd Amendment in 1976 and were not a part of Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s original draft. He urged a public debate on whether these terms should continue to define the Indian Republic.

VIDEO | Addressing an event on '50 years of Emergency' in New Delhi earlier today, RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabole said, "Babasaheb Ambedkar never used these words (socialist and secular) in the preamble of the Constitution. The words were added during Emergency, when… pic.twitter.com/wXfQg9WhyQ

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 26, 2025

In a sharp rebuttal, the Congress accused the RSS of pursuing a long-standing agenda to rewrite the Constitution. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh claimed the RSS has never accepted Ambedkar’s vision and Constitution, referencing its past criticism of the founding figures. He also cited a 2024 Supreme Court verdict, which reaffirmed the legitimacy of the Preamble’s current language, including the contested terms. Ramesh added that the BJP's campaign slogan for over 400 seats in the 2024 elections was aimed at constitutional changes, a move the electorate decisively rejected.

The Congress further alleged that the RSS-BJP alliance harbours anti-constitutional intentions. In a post on X, the party declared this demand as part of a conspiracy to undermine India’s democratic framework. “They are trying again, but the people and the Congress will not allow the destruction of Baba Saheb’s Constitution,” the post read. With tensions rising, the debate over the Preamble’s language signals a deeper ideological clash over India’s constitutional identity and political future.