Pune, Correspondent
Congress state spokesperson Gopal Tiwari has sharply criticized those who, despite coming to power for a third term with the support of people from various religions, are now opposing the constitutional values of socialism and secularism. He called such objections a sign of ingratitude towards India’s religious minorities—Buddhists, Jains, Christians, Muslims, Bohras, Sikhs—while accusing such views of being Hindu-centric, inferiority-complex driven, and a betrayal of constitutional duties.
Tiwari’s remarks came in response to a recent statement by Datta Hosabale, General Secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)—the ideological parent of the BJP—who raised concerns about the words "socialist" and "secular" in the Indian Constitution.
Condemning Hosabale's comments, Tiwari said, "It is laughable that those who do not recognize people of other faiths as their own, who show no concern for their rights and justice, are dreaming of making India a global leader."
He further pointed out that during the decisive phase of India’s independence struggle—particularly the Quit India Movement (1942–1947)—RSS played no significant role. “India attained independence due to the sacrifices and struggles of diverse religious communities,” he said, citing national heroes like Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, and prominent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad, Subhash Chandra Bose, Abdul Ghaffar Khan, among others. “All of them—belonging to different religions—fought against British rule and spent years in jail for the nation,” he added.
Tiwari also emphasized that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar laid the foundation of the Indian Republic with a secular and socialist vision, enshrined in the Constitution adopted on 26th January 1950.
He noted that while many governments have come and gone, no non-Congress government has ever formally demanded the removal of these two words. He accused the BJP, which came to power in 2014 on the basis of false promises and emotional appeals, of betraying constitutional values.
Tiwari strongly condemned any attempt to disturb social harmony, unity, and national integrity by pushing the dominance of one religion. “Such behavior is not only selfish and politically irresponsible but also unconstitutional,” he stated.
He questioned why such statements continue to be made even though the Supreme Court has twice upheld the inclusion of the words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Constitution.
Referring to the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi, Tiwari justified it as a response to international attempts to destabilize India during a time of rising scientific, agricultural, and military strength, implemented as per constitutional provisions and security advisories.
He concluded by stressing the importance of these terms in preventing India’s wealth and resources from falling back into the hands of capitalist forces, stating, “Nationalization of banks, princely states, and resources required a socialist vision.” He also pointed out that RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had once praised India’s Constitution, including its secular socialist nature—and questioned why Hosabale now appears to contradict that position, possibly to create deliberate confusion among the public.
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