Union Minister JP Nadda strongly rebutted Congress Leader Mallikarjun Kharge’s allegations regarding the removal of the Preamble from NCERT textbooks. Nadda asserted that there is “no question” of altering the Preamble, highlighting the Narendra Modi Government’s dedication to preserving the Constitution.
During a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Kharge accused the Central Government of erasing the Preamble from NCERT textbooks. He asserted on the importance of the Preamble as the “soul and spirit” of the Constitution and criticised the government for purportedly removing statues of Dr BR Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi, and tampering with the Constitution.
Kharge also referenced the November 25, 1949, Constituent Assembly speech, which stressed the integration of liberty, equality, and fraternity into a unified trinity. His comments triggered protests from the Treasury benches, leading Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar to intervene.
In response, Nadda criticised Kharge for relying on reports and newspaper clippings rather than the actual textbooks. Nadda stressed that the Modi Government respects the Constitution and the Preamble, and assured that there has been no tampering with them. He also highlighted past actions of the Congress party, such as the imposition of the Emergency in 1975, to defend the current government’s stance.
Nadda praised the RSS as a nationalist organisation, countering Kharge’s criticisms and reaffirming the BJP’s commitment to serving the nation under PM Modi’s leadership.
Earlier, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had dismissed the allegations, stating that the claims lacked basis. Pradhan emphasised that under the National Education Policy (NEP), the NCERT continues to uphold the significance of the Preamble, Fundamental Duties, Fundamental Rights, and the National Anthem in its curriculum.
