Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury Flags Concerns Over 'Socialist' and 'Secular' Absence in Constitution Copies

As Parliament commenced its operations in the new building, a startling revelation emerged, stirring controversy and raising questions about the sanctity of India's Constitution . Congress leader in Lok Sabha , Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury , ignited a debate by asserting that the copies of the Constitution distributed to Members of Parliament for the first sitting in the new Parliament did not include the words "Socialist and Secular" in its Preamble .

The inclusion of the terms "Socialist" and "Secular" in the Preamble occurred during the 42nd Amendment of the Constitution in 1976, a period marked by the Emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi . This insertion was a pivotal moment in India's constitutional history, reflecting the nation's commitment to secularism and socialism.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal , however, sought to downplay the issue by suggesting that members may have received copies of the original Constitution. He pointed out, “It (Preamble) was like this when the Constitution was adopted. After that, the 42nd amendment came… So it must be the original copy”.

A bulletin issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat on September 18, the inaugural day of the special Parliament session, clearly stated that members would receive a copy of the Constitution along with a calligraphed version of the original Constitution of India . This bulletin aimed to commemorate the historic first sitting in the newly inaugurated Parliament House .

Chowdhury expressed his concerns over the alleged omission, describing it as an "attack on the Constitution." He emphasized, "The new copies of the Constitution that were given to us today (19th September), the one we held in our hands and entered (the new Parliament building), its Preamble doesn't have the words 'socialist secular'.”

While acknowledging that the words were added through an amendment in 1976, Chowdhury questioned the absence of these critical words in the copies presented on the historic occasion, deeming it a matter of grave concern. He also raised suspicions about the intention behind this omission, suggesting that it might have been done intentionally.

Chowdhury's attempts to raise the issue in the Lok Sabha faced obstacles, and he expressed frustration at not being able to address this important matter during the parliamentary proceedings.

Moreover, during a session in the Lok Sabha held at the new Parliament complex, Chowdhury highlighted the importance of unity and harmony within the nation. He cautioned against creating unnecessary divisions between 'India' and 'Bharat,' emphasizing that the Constitution of India recognizes no such distinction.