JP Nadda Debunks Claims of Removing Preamble from NCERT Textbooks

Union Minister JP Nadda dismissed Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge's accusations of the Preamble's removal from NCERT textbooks. Nadda assured the Modi government's commitment to upholding the Constitution, countering Kharge's claims as baseless and politically motivated. The debate sparked protests in the Rajya Sabha.

Union Minister JP Nadda on Wednesday dismissed claims by Congress Leader Mallikarjun Kharge regarding the removal of the Preamble from NCERT textbooks, asserting there is "no question" of altering the Preamble. Nadda assured the Modi government's dedication to protecting the Constitution despite not personally reviewing the textbooks.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Kharge accused the BJP government of removing the Preamble from NCERT textbooks. "Reports suggest the Preamble was omitted. The Preamble is the soul and spirit of the Constitution," Kharge stated.

Kharge referenced a 1949 Constituent Assembly speech that emphasized the importance of integrating social democracy with political democracy. He criticized the government for allegedly tampering with the Constitution and erasing statues of Dr. BR Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi.

"BJP has removed statues of Gandhi and Ambedkar and edited the Constitution. The RSS and BJP are imposing their communal views on citizens. The NCERT's actions are unacceptable," Kharge argued, sparking protests from the Treasury benches. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar intervened, saying, "The last four minutes will be deleted. Everyone, take your seats. The leader of the house will speak."

JP Nadda responded, stating Kharge's accusations were based on unverified reports. "Newspaper clippings are not sources; textbooks are. I assure the government respects the Constitution and Preamble. We even initiated Constitution Day," he said, pointing to Congress's past transgressions, such as the Emergency.

Nadda defended the RSS, describing it as a patriotic grassroots organization. "RSS is nationalist and serves the country. The Preamble has been and will be protected under Modi's leadership," Nadda affirmed. On Tuesday, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also refuted the allegations in a tweet, confirming the Preamble's inclusion in NCERT textbooks.

(With inputs from agencies.)