This refers to reports that the Congress has demanded an apology from the Prime Minister over the use of the original Preamble of the Constitution that did not have the word ‘secular', in its January 26 advertisement. It appears that, having suffered a series of electoral defeats in recent months, the Congress needs the oxygen of petty, meaningless controversies to remain relevant. Congress spokespersons were not satisfied with the official explanation that the advertisement marked the anniversary of the original Preamble of the Constitution, declaring India a “sovereign, democratic Republic”.
The makers of the Constitution had implied that with its great values of tolerance, ‘Sarva Dharma Sambhav' (equal respect for all faiths) and ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbukam' (the world is a family), secularism was deeply embedded in India's ethos. But, due to her vote-bank considerations, Indira Gandhi had inserted the words ‘secular' and ‘socialist' in the Preamble. The present NDA regime has not challenged the additions.