The word secular is being misused in Indian politics : Rajnath Singh

"The makers of the constitution believed that the Preamble is the soul of the Constitution and no changes should be made to that. Socialist and Secular - these words were added to the Constitution later. Dr Ambedkar didn't find it necessary to insert them in the Preamble because he felt it was already an integral part of India," Singh said.

He asserted that the word 'Secular' was misused in Indian politics,while adding that  "this was making it difficult to maintain communal harmony in the country."

Earlier, the minister also said that despite facing condemnation and insult, BR Ambedkar said he would stay in India and strengthen the country. His remarks apparently referred to actor Aamir Khan, who has sparked a controversy with his "leaving India" comments linked to the 'intolerance debate'.

A little before the session began, the PM said "debate and dialogue are the soul of Parliament. Our samvidhaan (Constitution) is a ray of hope. Hope means - H for harmony, O for opportunity, P for People's participation, E for Equality." He has appealed to the opposition to allow Parliament to function this time, after several sessions that saw days of adjournments and little work.  
  
While the main agenda of the opposition is to have a a discussion on the issue of "intolerance" to end with Parliament adopting a resolution, the  government focuses on pushing crucial bills, including  Goods and Services Tax.

Even though the government has said it is "ready to discuss all issues including that of the so-called intolerance, it is not expected to agree to a resolution.

Ahead of the session, PM Modi appealed to the opposition  for cooperation as he made a strong pitch for the GST bill, saying it is in the interest of the nation.

"People have great expectations ....Parliament should function and be productive," PM Modi  said at an all-party meeting on Wednesday.