NDA Leaders Target Digvijaya Singh Over RSS, Ram Temple Donation Claims

BJP leader T.R. Sriniwas said Singh was not in a position to question the RSS or Savarkar, while rejecting the Congress leader's comments on Sanatan Dharma.

Responding to Singh's remarks, Sriniwas argued that Sanatan Dharma did not require validation from any political party. He also defended Savarkar, alleging that a "Left-liberal Islamic ecosystem" had promoted a distorted narrative about the former Hindutva ideologue and pointed to his imprisonment in the Cellular Jail during the British era.

BJP spokesperson Vinusha also criticised Singh's proposed 1,000-km foot march against the RSS, questioning his understanding of the organisation.

Vinusha said Singh had accused the RSS of being divisive and of creating tensions between religious communities, but argued that the organisation works across communities and has a large network of branches.

The criticism also came from Bihar, where JD(U) General Secretary Shyam Rajak said religion and politics should be kept separate.

Reacting to Singh's announcement of the proposed foot march, Rajak argued that bringing political considerations into religion could undermine its character. He also questioned the political intent behind Singh's statements.

The NDA leaders were responding to comments made by Singh in a video statement posted on X, in which the Congress leader accused the RSS and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) of misrepresenting Sanatan Dharma.

Singh argued that the word "Hindu" had Persian origins and was not found in the Vedas, while claiming that the term "Hindutva" was coined by Savarkar. He alleged that the RSS and VHP were using such concepts to create divisions within society.

Singh also levelled allegations concerning donations collected for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. He claimed that funds raised for the temple were being diverted to election-related activities of the BJP and RSS and described temple trust official Champat Rai as an "RSS agent".

The Congress leader has announced plans for a 1,000-km padyatra from Ujjain to Ayodhya beginning October 20. According to Singh, the march will protest what he described as the misuse of funds collected in the name of the temple.

The allegations made by Singh have been rejected by his political opponents, who have instead criticised the Congress leader's remarks about the RSS, Savarkar and the Ram Temple.