CM Yogi Adityanath calls the inclusion of “secular” and “socialist” in the Constitution’s Preamble a betrayal of India’s foundational spirit
“A Date of National Betrayal”: Revisiting the Emergency’s Shadow
On June 25, 2025, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath delivered a fiery address at a symposium titled “The Dark Chapter of Indian Democracy”, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Emergency. In a speech that blended historical reflection with sharp political critique, Adityanath described the Emergency as a “brutal assault on the soul of India,” and took direct aim at the Congress party for what he called the ideological hijacking of the Constitution.
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The focal point of his criticism was the 42nd Amendment, passed during the Emergency, which added the words “secular” and “socialist” to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. According to Adityanath, these additions were not only unconstitutional but also alien to the original vision of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. “The Congress didn’t just impose censorship and jail over a lakh pro-democracy activists, it dismantled the very Constitution Ambedkar gave his life for,” he declared.
He further accused the Congress of silencing the voices of Dalits and marginalized communities, asserting that the Emergency was not merely a political crisis but a betrayal of the very people the Constitution was meant to empower.
“Democracy Warriors” Honoured, Opposition Parties Targeted
The event, held at Lok Bhavan in Lucknow, was more than a remembrance, it was a political reckoning. CM Yogi honoured 26 individuals who were jailed during the Emergency, referring to them as “democracy warriors.” Each was felicitated with shawls and mementos, and a special exhibition titled “The Tragedy of the Emergency” showcased newspaper clippings and visuals from the era, highlighting state excesses and citizen resistance.
Adityanath didn’t stop at Congress. He also criticized opposition parties like the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) for what he described as their “double character.” “These dynastic parties once resisted Congress’s authoritarianism. Today, they kneel before it,” he said, accusing them of abandoning their anti-Emergency legacy for political convenience.
He cited multiple instances of what he called “democratic betrayals,” including the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the 2013 ordinance controversy involving Rahul Gandhi. “These parties have no moral right to invoke the Constitution,” he asserted. “Whenever given a chance, they have strangled democracy.”
A Call for Constitutional Introspection
CM Yogi’s remarks have reignited a long-standing debate over the ideological framing of the Indian Constitution. While the terms “secular” and “socialist” have been part of the Preamble since 1976, critics argue that their inclusion was politically motivated and lacked the consensus of the Constituent Assembly. Adityanath echoed this sentiment, stating, “The original Constitution, drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar, didn’t include these words. Congress added them during the Emergency to serve its own agenda”.
He also warned that the “Emergency mindset” still lingers in Indian politics and called for vigilance to protect democratic values. “This day gives us an opportunity to expose those who sacrificed India’s ideals for selfish ends,” he said.
The Chief Minister announced a new welfare scheme offering cashless medical facilities to those jailed during the Emergency and their families, a symbolic gesture aimed at recognizing the sacrifices made in defense of democracy.
Conclusion:
CM Yogi Adityanath’s Constitution Day address was more than a historical reflection, it was a political manifesto. By challenging the legitimacy of the Emergency-era amendments and demanding accountability from opposition parties, he has opened a new chapter in India’s ongoing dialogue about democracy, identity, and constitutional integrity. Whether one agrees or disagrees with his stance, the speech has undeniably stirred the national conscience.
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