Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jun 28: Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) chief Prakash Yashwant Ambedkar, grandson of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, has strongly criticised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) recent call to revisit the inclusion of the terms “Socialist” and “Secular” in the Constitution’s Preamble. Labeling it a pre-election gimmick, Ambedkar dismissed the RSS demand as nothing more than a political stunt aimed at influencing the upcoming BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.
Speaking to reporters, Ambedkar reacted to RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale’s statement from an event in New Delhi, where Hosabale urged for the removal of the two terms from the Preamble. “This rhetoric resurfaces every election season. The terms ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ were added during the Emergency, and despite being in power multiple times, the BJP has never made a serious attempt to remove them. Why? Because you can take these words out of the Preamble, but their essence is embedded across various provisions of the Constitution,” Ambedkar said.
He further described the demand as a strategic distraction to consolidate votes. “This entire debate is nothing but ‘jumla’ politics—designed to polarise and divert public discourse before elections,” he added.
Ambedkar also waded into the controversy surrounding the Maharashtra government’s move to make Hindi a compulsory subject in schools—a decision that has unexpectedly united political rivals. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray have voiced strong opposition, with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction also joining the protest.
Commenting on the alliance dynamics, Ambedkar questioned the intent and structure of the opposition. “The NCP joining in is interesting, especially while the Congress remains silent. So, is this a Maha Vikas Aghadi protest or just a selective alliance? That needs clarity,” he said.
On the Hindi language issue, he pointed out that Hindi was already widely studied voluntarily. “Back in our time, Hindi was optional, and the vast majority of students still opted for it. Making it mandatory now appears to be a calculated move to stoke divisions,” he remarked.
Ambedkar warned that the joint protest by Uddhav and Raj Thackeray could hint at electoral collaboration in the BMC polls—a move he believes could backfire. “Their rallying together on the Hindi issue suggests potential seat-sharing or alliance talks. But this could harm Uddhav, especially among the North Indian voter base in Mumbai that has traditionally supported him. If this is perceived as anti-Hindi, it could cost him dearly,” he said.
He went on to allege political theatrics, hinting at collusion. “It looks like a classic case of match-fixing. The government enforces Hindi through the National Education Policy, Raj Thackeray protests it loudly, and Uddhav joins in. It’s all staged. But the consequences, particularly in Mumbai’s diverse electorate, could be significant.”