The Constitution should be amended to remove the word 'secular'

Statement by BJP MP Anantkumar Hegde in a public rally

Siddapur (Karnataka) – “We have to amend the Constitution. The Congress fundamentally distorted the Constitution by forcefully filling unnecessary things in it, especially by bringing in laws that were aimed at suppressing the Hindus. Now the word ‘secular’ can be removed from the Constitution for the benefit of Hindus. If all these are to be changed, it will not be possible with only majority in the Lok Sabha. We need two-thirds majority in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha,” said Anantkumar Hegde, BJP MP and former Union Minister at a rally here. MP Hegde made this statement against the backdrop of the impending Lok Sabha elections.

Why is it so difficult for the BJP to adhere to the framework of Ambedkar’s Constitution ? – Congress

1. The Congress has criticised this statement of MP Hegde. It has been stated from Congress’ X account that, “At one time, BJP MPs were advocating for changes to the Constitution. Now, they are implying amendments to it. Do BJP leaders find it challenging to adhere to the framework of the Constitution crafted by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar ?”

2. Rahul Gandhi also denounced and posted, “The BJP MP’s call to alter the Constitution is a public revelation of Narendra Modi and his Sangh Parivar’s hidden intentions. They oppose justice, equality, civil rights, and democracy. We will resist this conspiracy, honouring the aspirations of freedom fighters, and persist in defending the democratic rights enshrined in the Constitution until our last breath.”

3. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge posted that, “Modi and Sangh aim to reimpose dictatorship. BJP leaders will impose their Manuvaadi mindset on the people of India and snatch away the rights of SCs, STs, and OBCs. Congress will not allow these ulterior motives of the Sangh Parivar to succeed.”

Personal opinion of Anantkumar Hegde – BJP

Following criticism from opposition parties, the BJP has distanced itself from Anantkumar Hegde’s statement. The party clarified that it is Hegde’s personal opinion. Additionally, party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia emphasised that the BJP has consistently upheld Constitutional values and national interest.

Editorial Perspective

How easily Congress seems to forget that during the Emergency, the Congress itself amended the Constitution with overwhelming majority and inserted the terms “socialist” and “secular.” If people now desire to remove those terms, what is objectionable about it ?