Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), November 27 (HBTV): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has accused the Indian National Congress of tampering with the Preamble of the Constitution during the Emergency era, stressing the importance of safeguarding its core principles.

Speaking at a Constitution Day event at Lok Bhawan in Lucknow, Adityanath stated, 'The original Constitution, drafted by Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, did not include the words "secular" or "socialist." These were inserted during the Emergency, betraying the spirit of the Constitution.'

The Chief Minister’s remarks followed the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the 42nd Amendment of 1976, which introduced the terms 'socialist,' 'secular,' and 'integrity' to the Preamble. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, ruled there was no legitimate basis for challenging these additions. The CJI remarked, 'Parliament has the authority under Article 368 to amend the Constitution, including its Preamble.'

Adityanath hailed the Indian Constitution as a unifying force for the nation’s 140 crore citizens. He described it as a legacy that guarantees justice, equality, and fraternity, stating, 'The Constitution ensures equal voting rights for all, irrespective of caste, opinion, or religion—a testament to the vision of Ambedkar and the Constituent Assembly.'

He further accused the Congress of undermining democratic institutions and values, citing the Emergency of 1975 as an example. 'Their actions reflect a dictatorial and fascist mentality. They have repeatedly eroded public faith in democratic institutions and sought to deprive marginalized groups of their constitutional rights,' he alleged.

Adityanath emphasized the importance of drawing inspiration from the Constituent Assembly debates, which he said were instrumental in shaping the Constitution. 'We must uphold the principles enshrined in this historic document,' he concluded.

(Inputs from Hindustan Times)