VP Dhankhar: Emergency-Era Changes to Preamble a ‘Festering Wound’

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has expressed strong disapproval of the amendments made to the Indian Constitution’s Preamble during the Emergency period, referring to them as a “festering wound.” His remarks reignite a sensitive debate surrounding the inclusion of the words “socialist” and “secular.”

Debate over ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ Resurfaces

Dhankhar’s comments come amidst renewed calls from certain factions within the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to revisit and potentially revise the terms “socialist” and “secular” within the Preamble. These terms were added during the Emergency through the 42nd Amendment.

A Deeper Look at the Controversy

The Vice President’s statement has fueled discussion about the historical context of these amendments and their ongoing relevance. Critics argue that these changes were imposed during a period of political turmoil and do not reflect the true spirit of the Constitution. This disagreement underscores the ongoing tension surrounding the interpretation and application of these fundamental constitutional principles.