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Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Socialist', ‘secular' in Preamble: Shivraj, MoS Singh back Hosabale, Opposition slams remark
A day after RSS Sarkaryavaha Dattatreya Hosabale called for a discussion on whether the words 'socialist' and 'secular', inserted in the Preamble of the Constitution during the Emergency, should remain there, Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Dr Jitendra Singh threw their weight behind the idea even as leaders of the Congress and other Opposition parties criticised Hosabale's remark. There was no comment from the BJP on the RSS leader's suggestion. Sudhanshu Trivedi, the party's national spokesperson, attacked the Congress for being 'behind every act of tampering with the Constitution and its spirit' over the last seven decades, and said it should apologise for the Emergency. The LJP, which is part of the ruling alliance, was the only NDA partner to respond to Hosabale's remark. 'If this issue is brought before the alliance, we will oppose it. We are protectors of socialism and secularism,' LJP national vice president A K Bajpayi said. Shivraj Singh Chouhan's office shared a video of the minister addressing a press conference Friday in Varanasi where he said, 'Sarva Dharma Sambhav Bharatiya sanskriti ka mool hai. Dharm nirpeksh hamari sanskriti ka mool nahin hai. Isliye ispar zaroor vichaar hona chahiye ki aapaatkaal mein jis dharm nirpeksh shabd ko joda gaya usko hataya jaaye.' ('The core of Indian culture is Sarva Dharma Sambhav (equal respect for all religions) and not dharm nirpeksh (secular). Therefore, there must be a discussion on the removal of the word dharm nirpeksh that was added during the Emergency.') On socialism, Chouhan said that to believe everyone else to be like oneself is a core Indian thought. That this world is a family (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam) is the core thought of India, he said. 'There is no need for socialism here. We have said for long that all should be treated alike. So, the word socialism is also not needed, and the country should certainly think about this,' he said. In Jammu, Minister of State Jitendra Singh said he did not think there was 'any second thought' on Hosabale's remark. 'Hosabale ji has stated that the words 'secular' and 'socialist' were added to our Preamble after the 42nd amendment as these were not given by Babasaheb Ambedkar,'' he said. Pointing out that Dr B R Ambedkar crafted 'one of the best Constitutions of the world'', Singh said 'if it was not his thinking, then with what thought someone added these words'. Asked whether the BJP endorsed the demand for the removal of the words 'secular' and 'socialist', Singh said, 'Who doesn't want to? Every right-thinking citizen will endorse it because everyone knows they are not part of the original Constitution document, which Dr Ambedkar and the rest of the committee wrote.' 'It is not a question of BJP vs non-BJP,'' he said, adding 'it is the question of preserving the democratic values and the constitutional values''. He said the Emergency was not a sudden aberration but rather the cumulative result of the Congress ideological foundation, and accused the party of being rooted in nepotism, authoritarianism and opportunism, always placing its own interests above that of the country. Referring to Hosabale's remark, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said the 'RSS mask' has 'come off again', and that the Constitution troubles them 'because it speaks of equality, secularism and justice'. In a post on X in Hindi, Gandhi said the 'RSS-BJP' combine 'wants Manusmriti' and is out to deprive the marginalised and the poor of their rights. 'Their real agenda is to snatch away a powerful weapon like the Constitution from them,' he said. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said: 'Invoking the Emergency to discredit these principles is a deceitful move, especially when the RSS colluded with the Indira Gandhi government during that time for its own survival… To use that period now to undermine the Constitution reflects sheer hypocrisy and political opportunism.' BJP's Trivedi was quoted by news agency PTI saying, 'The BJP has been raising the issue of flagrant violations of people's fundamental rights and atrocities committed by the Congress government during the Emergency, and has demanded an apology from the Congress. But the party is not ready to apologise and is instead diverting the issue.' 'It is the Congress which is behind every act of tampering with the Constitution and its spirit in the last over 70 years. The Congress must apologise instead of spreading confusion,' he said. Vikas Pathak is deputy associate editor with The Indian Express and writes on national politics. He has over 17 years of experience, and has worked earlier with The Hindustan Times and The Hindu, among other publications. He has covered the national BJP, some key central ministries and Parliament for years, and has covered the 2009 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls and many state assembly polls. He has interviewed many Union ministers and Chief Ministers. Vikas has taught as a full-time faculty member at Asian College of Journalism, Chennai; Symbiosis International University, Pune; Jio Institute, Navi Mumbai; and as a guest professor at Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi. Vikas has authored a book, Contesting Nationalisms: Hinduism, Secularism and Untouchability in Colonial Punjab (Primus, 2018), which has been widely reviewed by top academic journals and leading newspapers. He did his PhD, M Phil and MA from JNU, New Delhi, was Student of the Year (2005-06) at ACJ and gold medalist from University Rajasthan College in Jaipur in graduation. He has been invited to top academic institutions like JNU, St Stephen's College, Delhi, and IIT Delhi as a guest speaker/panellist. ... Read More
The Print
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Shivraj seconds Hosabale's call for review of insertion of secularism, socialism in Preamble
'Secularism is not the core of our culture. That is why there should indeed be a discussion about it. The word 'secularism' was added during the Emergency—there should be deliberation on removing it,' Chouhan said to a question on whether these terms should be removed from the Preamble. These words, according to the senior BJP leader, were not part of India's civilisational ethos and had been inserted during the 1975 Emergency. New Delhi: After Dattatreya Hosabale of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan joined the bandwagon demanding a rethink on the relevance of the words secularism and socialism in the Constitution. In Varanasi, the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare also described India as 'an ancient and great nation' founded on the principle of Sarva Dharma Sambhav—equal respect for all faiths. He emphasised that India, as a civilisation, has long upheld religious harmony and mutual respect across traditions. 'This is the India that, not today but thousands of years ago, said 'Ekam sad vipra bahudha vadanti'—Truth is one, the wise call it by many names,' he said, quoting ancient scripture to underline India's pluralistic tradition. 'This is the India that says 'Munde munde matir bhinna'—every mind is different. It respects differing thoughts and forms of worship.' Citing Swami Vivekananda's historic speech in Chicago, Chouhan added, 'No matter which path you follow, ultimately all lead to the same supreme truth.' A day earlier, Hosabale had forcefully argued for reviewing the inclusion of secularism and socialism in the Constitution. The RSS general secretary said the two terms were inserted into the Preamble during the Emergency—bypassing public debate—and were not part of the Constitution originally drafted by Chouhan also questioned the relevance of socialism in contemporary India, asserting that Indian philosophy already embodies egalitarian values through its ancient teachings. 'Atmavat sarvabhuteshu—to see oneself in all beings—is India's fundamental thought. The entire world is one family—this is India's spirit. Live and let live, let there be goodwill among living beings, let the world be well,' he said. 'Sarve bhavantu sukhinah, sarve santu niramayah—may all be happy, may all be free of illness—this is India's true sentiment. That's why we don't need socialism,' Chouhan said. 'We've been saying it for years—Sia Ram may sab jag jani—see everyone as one and the same. There is no need for imposed socialism.' The nation, the Union Minister said, must seriously reflect on this (removal of secularism and socialism from the Constitution. (Edited by Tony Rai) Also Read: 'Mask comes off' as RSS wants 'Manusmriti', says Rahul on call to drop 'secular' from Constitution
Hindustan Times
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Sanitation workers' wages to be raised by ₹2,100 per month: Haryana CM
Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday announced to increase wages of sanitation workers by ₹2,100 per month. Addressing a gathering in Sirsa to mark the birth anniversary of Sant Kabir Das, Saini also announced to set-up a 100-bed de-addiction centre at the upcoming Sirsa medical college, besides establishing a 30-bed new de-addiction centre near the government hospital in Ellenabad. He also announced expansion of the existing de-addiction center in Dabwali from 10 to 30 beds. The chief minister said that his government has increased the wages of sanitation workers to ₹26,000 per month. Notably, Saini also made similar announcements during the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmik last year in November during a state-level function in Jind. He also announced to give ₹5 lakh for death on duty of a sanitation worker and ₹10 lakh in case of death while doing sewerage work. 'As many as 5,000 sanitation workers employed through private agencies have now been brought onto the official roles of the respective municipal bodies,' he added. Saini said, Sant Kabir was a torchbearer of India's spiritual values of 'Sarva Dharma Sambhav' (equal respect for all religions) and 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family). Referring to the supreme court's verdict regarding reservation for the deprived scheduled castes (DSC), the chief minister said that the Haryana government has implemented the decision in the state, ensuring that the DSC community received its rightful share. He further said that his government has provided a financial grant of ₹71,000 crore for the marriage of 2.6 lakh women from scheduled caste families living below poverty line under the Mukhyamantri Vivah Shagun Yojana. He said that ₹80,000 is provided to 76,985 beneficiaries from the scheduled castes for house repair. 'The deprived scheduled castes community had to struggle for years to get their rights. This issue was raised several times before the previous governments and no chief minister provided them their legitimate rights,' Saini said. Social justice and empowerment minister Krishan Kumar Bedi leaders from the DSC community were compelled to stage demonstrations, and many protesters even had to go to jail. 'The dream that once remained incomplete has now been fulfilled by the present government, he added.
India Gazette
11-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Haryana CM Saini urges citizens to embrace teachings of Sant Kabir, contribute to nation-building
New Delhi [India], June 11 (ANI): On the occasion of Sant Shiromani Kabir Das Jayanti, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini made several significant announcements, including increasing Rs 2,100 in the monthly wages of Safai Karamcharis. Furthermore, he also announced the establishment of a 100-bed de-addiction centre at the upcoming Sant Sarsai Nath Medical College in Sirsa. The Chief Minister called upon the people to adopt the timeless wisdom of Sant Kabir in their lives and contribute to nation-building by rising above casteism and all forms of said, today, the spirit of Sant Kabir is reflected in every scheme, every policy, and every decision of our government, all driven by the vision of 'Haryana Ek- Haryanvi Ek'. He also announced the expansion of the existing de-addiction center in Dabwali from 10 to 30 beds and the setting up of a new 30-bed de-addiction center near the government hospital in Ellenabad. The Chief Minister made these announcements while addressing the state-level function held in Sirsa under the Sant Mahapurush Samman evam Vichar Prachar Prasar Yojana, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sant Kabir Das on Wednesday. On this occasion, he also announced a grant of Rs 31 lakh. Reaffirming the government's commitment to the promises made in its Sankalp Patra, the Chief Minister said that the government has resolved to increase the wages of Safai Karamcharis in a phased manner to Rs 26,000 over five years, a promise the government fully intends to fulfil. Speaking about the spiritual legacy of Sant Kabir, the Chief Minister said, Sant Kabir was a torchbearer of India's spiritual values of 'Sarva Dharma Sambhav' (equal respect for all religions) and 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family). He was born at a time when society was bound by superstition, casteism, and rigid traditions. Through his fearless reformist work, he earned a revered place in history, he said. CM Saini said that Sant Kabir boldly challenged social evils across all religions. Saints, sages, prophets, and spiritual masters like him have shown the right path to humanity. Their teachings are the shared heritage of all humankind, and it is our collective responsibility to preserve and propagate this legacy, he said. The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always considered the teachings of Sant Kabir as the foundation of modern India. 'Advancing the ideals of Sant Kabir, Prime Minister has played a transformative role in shaping modern India after independence. Over the past 11 years, under his leadership, the government has launched several welfare schemes aimed at empowering and uplifting the poor,' said CM Saini. He said that following the Prime Minister's vision, the Haryana government has also worked on the principle of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas', implementing various schemes and policies for the upliftment of every section of society. The Chief Minister emphasised that the core philosophy of the state government is 'Antyodaya', uplifting the last mile citizen. This is the path shown by Sant Kabir, and it forms the very foundation of our policies. Today, our 'triple engine' government is progressing on this path with triple the speed, he said. Referring to the Supreme Court verdict regarding reservation for the Deprived Scheduled Castes, the Chief Minister said that the Haryana government swiftly implemented the decision in the state, ensuring that the DSC community received its rightful share. The Chief Minister said that the government has taken significant steps to safeguard the interests and dignity of Safai Karamcharis. The Haryana State Commission for Safai Karamcharis has been established to address their welfare and rights. The government has also ensured safety and dignity by introducing insurance provisions Rs 5 lakh compensation in case of death during duty and Rs 10 lakh in case of death while cleaning sewer lines. In addition, over 5,000 Safai Karamcharis employed through private agencies have now been brought onto the official roles of the respective municipal bodies. Highlighting the broader commitment to social justice, the Chief Minister shared that under the Mukhyamantri Vivah Shagun Yojana, a financial grant of Rs 71,000 has been provided for the marriages of 2.6 lakh daughters belonging to Scheduled Caste families living below the poverty line. Further, under the Ambedkar Awas Navinikaran Yojana, Rs 80,000 is being provided to BPL Scheduled Caste families for house repairs. So far, 76,985 beneficiaries have received assistance totaling Rs 416 crore under this scheme, shared Nayab Singh Saini. Nayab Singh Saini further emphasised that Sant Kabir's teachings remain just as relevant today as they were centuries ago. Let us resolve to take Kabir's message to every household. His words should not just be remembered but practised in our daily lives. By transcending barriers of caste and inequality, we shall move forward towards building 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat', he added. Earlier speaking on the occasion, the Social Justice, Empowerment, Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes Welfare, and Antyodaya (Sewa), Minister, Krishan Kumar Bedi, said that the teachings of great saints like Sant Kabir are extremely relevant in today's society. He said that Sant Kabir gave the message of truth, equality, brotherhood, and humanity, a message that it is our collective duty to spread among the people. The Minister said that the Supreme Court's decision had come in the month of August, and it was Nayab Singh Saini who decided to implement the verdict in favour of the DSC community. He said that the DSC community had to struggle for years. This issue was raised repeatedly before previous governments and Chief Ministers, but instead of solutions, the community only received assurances and had to resort to protests, he said. Krishan Kumar Bedi further said that leaders from the community were compelled to stage demonstrations, and many protesters even had to go to jail. However, the dream that once remained incomplete has now been fulfilled by the present government, he said. Bedi said that this celebration is not just a birth anniversary but a symbol of social transformation. He remarked that previous governments did not give due importance to celebrating the anniversaries of social saints and great personalities, whereas the present government has initiated a new tradition of celebrating the birth anniversaries of Maharshi Valmiki, Sant Ravidas, Baba Saheb Ambedkar, Sant Kabir, and other revered figures at the state level. BJP State President, Mohan Lal Kaushik, while addressing the gathering, said that this day is not just the birth anniversary of a great personality, but a day to remember a visionary who showed society the path of harmony by rising above caste and discrimination. He said that the life of Sant Kabir continues to be a source of inspiration, and Chief Minister Saini is leading all sections of society in line with Kabir's ideals. Kaushik further said that the Chief Minister has not only empowered the OBC community but has also emerged as the voice of the poor, the backwards, and the marginalised. He emphasised that when the Haryana Government was formed for the third time, the very first decision of the Cabinet was taken in favour of the rights of the DSC community. This government does not merely make promises, it delivers on the ground, he said. Kaushik said that the government had pledged in its manifesto to provide employment opportunities to 5 lakh youth, and rapid progress is being made in that direction. He further assured that in the coming times, even more significant decisions will be taken in the fields of employment, education, and dignity for the welfare of society. Former MP Sunita Duggal said that CM Saini has given a new identity and strength to the long-oppressed and marginalised sections of society. She said that the Chief Minister remains constantly dedicated to public service and is working for the welfare of every section of society with the spirit of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. She added that an IIT should be established in this region so that children stay away from drugs and focus on their studies. Referring to the teachings of Saint Kabir, she said that just as Saint Kabir rose above caste and discrimination and considered humanity to be supreme, the Chief Minister is also taking the entire society forward with the same spirit. On this occasion, Cabinet Ministers Dr Arvind Sharma and Ranbir Gangwa, Rajya Sabha MP, Subhash Barala, MLAs, Kapoor Valmiki and Randhir Panihar, Swami Swadesh Kabir, former ministers Anoop Dhanak and Devender Babli, former MLA, Dura Ram, and several other dignitaries were present. (ANI)
