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No current plan to drop ''socialism'', ''secularism'' from Preamble: Law Minister Arjun Meghwal

No Current Plans to Remove 'Socialism' and 'Secularism' from Constitution's Preamble, Affirms Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal

New Delhi: In a significant clarification amid ongoing debates about the foundational principles of India's Constitution, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal has categorically stated that the government has no immediate intentions to excise the terms "socialism" and "secularism" from the Preamble. This announcement comes at a time when political discourse in the country is increasingly polarized over the ideological underpinnings of the nation's governance framework, with some voices from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its affiliates occasionally questioning the relevance of these words in a modern, market-oriented economy.

The Preamble to the Indian Constitution, often described as the soul of the document, outlines the objectives and guiding principles of the Republic. It declares India to be a "Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic," among other attributes. These specific terms—"socialist" and "secular"—were not part of the original Constitution adopted in 1950. They were incorporated through the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976, enacted during the Emergency period under then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's Congress government. This amendment was part of a broader set of changes aimed at reinforcing the state's commitment to social justice, economic equality, and religious neutrality.

Minister Meghwal's remarks were made in response to queries raised in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament, where opposition members expressed concerns over purported plans to alter the Constitution's core ethos. "There is no current plan to drop 'socialism' and 'secularism' from the Preamble," Meghwal asserted during a session on July 24, 2025. He emphasized that any such amendment would require thorough deliberation and consensus, underscoring the government's respect for the constitutional framework established by the framers. Meghwal, a senior BJP leader and the Minister of Law and Justice, further noted that the Preamble serves as a guiding light for policy-making and that the government remains committed to upholding its spirit.

This statement is particularly noteworthy given the historical and political context. Since the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) came to power in 2014, there have been intermittent discussions and criticisms from right-wing ideologues who argue that "socialism" evokes outdated economic models incompatible with India's liberalization efforts post-1991. Critics of socialism point to the failures of state-controlled economies in the pre-reform era, which led to inefficiencies, corruption, and sluggish growth. They advocate for a more capitalist-oriented approach, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) and initiatives like Make in India, which emphasize private enterprise and foreign investment.

On the other hand, "secularism" has been a flashpoint in debates over India's identity as a multi-religious society. Proponents of Hindutva ideology, which forms the ideological backbone of the BJP, sometimes interpret secularism as "pseudo-secularism" that unfairly favors minorities at the expense of the Hindu majority. High-profile events, such as the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of the same year, have fueled accusations from opposition parties like the Congress and left-leaning groups that the government is eroding secular principles. However, the BJP has consistently defended these moves as necessary for national integration and equality, not as attacks on secularism.

Meghwal's reassurance is likely aimed at quelling such apprehensions, especially in the wake of recent social media campaigns and opinion pieces speculating about constitutional amendments. Just last month, a petition filed in the Supreme Court by a group of activists sought a review of the 42nd Amendment, arguing that the addition of "socialist" and "secular" was done under duress during the Emergency and did not reflect the original intent of the Constituent Assembly. The court has yet to pronounce on the matter, but it has reignited discussions on whether these words are integral or amendable.

To understand the depth of this issue, it's essential to delve into the historical evolution of the Constitution. Drafted under the chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the original Preamble described India as a "Sovereign Democratic Republic." The absence of "socialist" and "secular" was deliberate, as the framers sought to avoid rigid ideological labels in a nascent democracy grappling with partition's aftermath and economic reconstruction. Ambedkar himself was wary of socialism, favoring a mixed economy that balanced state intervention with individual freedoms. Secularism, while implicit in provisions like Article 25 (freedom of religion), was not explicitly stated until the 1976 amendment, which aimed to counter communal tensions and affirm the state's equidistance from all religions.

Opposition leaders have welcomed Meghwal's statement but remain skeptical. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, known for his articulate defenses of constitutional values, tweeted: "Relieved to hear the Law Minister's assurance, but actions speak louder than words. The government must ensure that policies reflect true secularism and social justice." Similarly, Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury urged vigilance, stating, "The Preamble is not just words; it's the promise of equality. Any attempt to dilute it would be an assault on India's soul."

Legal experts offer varied perspectives on the feasibility of such changes. Senior advocate and constitutional expert Rajeev Dhavan argues that while the Preamble can be amended— as evidenced by the 1976 changes— the basic structure doctrine, established by the Supreme Court in the landmark Kesavananda Bharati case of 1973, protects core features like secularism and democracy from being altered. "Socialism might be more flexible as an economic philosophy, but secularism is woven into the fabric of our pluralistic society," Dhavan explained in a recent interview. On the other hand, some jurists like former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi suggest that if the words are seen as anachronistic, Parliament has the sovereign right to revisit them through due process, provided it doesn't violate the basic structure.

The government's stance also aligns with its broader narrative of constitutional reverence. Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly invoked the Constitution in his speeches, particularly during the 75th anniversary celebrations of its adoption in 2024-25. Initiatives like the "Samvidhan Diwas" (Constitution Day) programs have been used to educate citizens about its importance, with a focus on inclusivity and progress. Meghwal himself highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize legal frameworks, such as the introduction of new criminal codes like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which replace colonial-era laws while preserving constitutional ethos.

Public opinion on this matter is divided along ideological lines. A recent survey by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) indicated that while a majority of urban Indians support secularism as a principle, there's growing support for economic policies that prioritize growth over strict socialist models. Rural respondents, however, often associate socialism with welfare schemes like MGNREGA and food security programs, viewing any removal as a threat to their livelihoods.

In the international context, India's commitment to these principles influences its global image. As a leading democracy in the Global South, maintaining secularism bolsters its soft power, especially in relations with Western nations concerned about rising majoritarianism. Socialism, interpreted loosely as social welfare, aligns with India's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) commitments under the United Nations.

Meghwal's clarification may temporarily ease tensions, but it doesn't close the door on future debates. With the next general elections approaching in 2029, constitutional issues could become electoral flashpoints. Opposition parties might leverage this to portray the government as ideologically driven, while the BJP could counter by emphasizing pragmatic governance over outdated labels.

Ultimately, the Preamble's words are more than mere text; they encapsulate India's aspirations for justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. As Minister Meghwal reiterated, any changes would demand broad consensus, ensuring that the Constitution evolves without losing its essence. For now, "socialism" and "secularism" remain firmly entrenched, serving as reminders of India's complex journey from colonial rule to a vibrant, diverse republic. This development underscores the enduring relevance of constitutional debates in shaping the nation's future, reminding citizens and leaders alike of the delicate balance between tradition and transformation.

Read the Full The New Indian Express Article at:
[ https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Jul/24/no-current-plan-to-drop-socialism-secularism-from-preamble-law-minister-arjun-meghwal ]