Controversy Brews Over Amendments to India's Constitution

In a significant political development, R Ashoka, the Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly, has echoed recent remarks by senior RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale that the terms 'secularism' and 'socialism' were not originally part of the Indian Constitution as drafted by Dr. BR Ambedkar. During a press conference, Ashoka accused the Congress party of strategically inserting these concepts into the Preamble.

Taking a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Ashoka questioned the simultaneous advocacy for a caste census and secularism. He challenged Congress representatives to point to where these terms are included in Ambedkar's drafted Constitution. Ashoka also criticized the historical amendments made by past Congress leaders, particularly Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, for altering the Constitution's original intent.

Ashoka painted a grim picture of Karnataka's current financial state, citing the BBMP's alleged bankruptcy and stalled projects. He accused the government of corruption, predicting a change in the Chief Minister's position due to Deputy CM DK Shivakumar's purportedly unfavorable horoscope. Furthermore, he drew parallels between current social media regulations and the censorship during Indira Gandhi's Emergency, cautioning about the potential jailing of government critics.

(With inputs from agencies.)