BJP MP introduces Bill to remove ‘secular’, ‘socialist’ from Constitution’s Preamble

The terms “secular” and “socialist” should be removed from the Constitution’s Preamble because they were inserted in an “undemocratic” manner during the Emergency, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Bhim Singh said on Friday after introducing a Private Member’s Bill in the Upper House.

Singh moved The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (Amendment of the Preamble), arguing the two words were not part of the original text adopted in 1949 and came into force in 1950 only later, through the 42nd Amendment in 1976. “I have introduced a Private Member’s Bill to amend the Preamble of the Constitution, to remove the words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’… The original Constitution adopted in 1949, which has been in force since 1950, did not have these two words. Indira Gandhi added these two words to the Constitution during the Emergency in 1976, under the 42nd Constitution amendment. At that time, no debate was held in Parliament. ”

Singh added, “The term ‘socialist’ was added to make the then USSR happy, and the term ‘secular’ was added to appease Muslims. It is unnecessary. It is not required; it only creates confusion.”

He added, “We understand that the Bill may not necessarily be passed, but the issue would come to the attention of the government and the people.”