Political Row Over Hindutva
Congress Leader Digvijaya Singh Accuses RSS and VHP of Dividing India
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Key Points
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Singh argued that the word “Hindu” does not appear in the Vedas, Upanishads or Puranas, and said Hindutva was a term coined by Savarkar.
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Singh specifically accused Ram Temple trust figure Champat Rai of being an “RSS agent” and alleged that donations collected for Ram Shilas were embezzled, alongside fraud during the temple’s construction.
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Mahant Sitaram Das Ji Maharaj alleged that Congress leaders had rejected the Ram Janmabhoomi temple invitation and hired 28 lawyers to oppose the temple’s construction; he also warned that Singh would be shown black flags and not allowed to worship in Ayodhya.
Congress leader Digvijaya Singh escalated his attack on Hindu nationalist groups, accusing the RSS and VHP of distorting ancient religion to divide India and misusing donations meant for the Ram Temple. The Observer Post reported that Singh claims the term "Hindutva" was coined by Veer Savarkar and does not appear in the Vedas, Upanishads, or Puranas. He announced plans for a foot march from Ujjain to Ayodhya to protest what he called the exploitation of religion.
The accusations drew swift backlash from BJP leaders and Hindu seers in Ayodhya. NDTV reported that Madhya Pradesh minister Vishwas Sarang called for legal action against Singh, while religious leaders dismissed his claims as baseless and warned his planned march would face opposition in the sacred city.
Singh's Allegations Against Ram Temple Leadership
Singh leveled specific financial charges at Ram Temple officials. The Observer Post reported that he accused trust figure Champat Rai of being an "RSS agent" and claimed donations collected for Ram Shilas were embezzled. Singh also alleged fraud occurred during the temple's construction and that funds meant for religious purposes were redirected to BJP election campaigns.
Singh's Argument That Hindutva Contradicts Ancient Texts
Singh told supporters that the word "Hindu" does not appear in India's oldest religious texts. Daily Hunt reported that he claimed Hindutva has created divisions among Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians across India. He argued that Veer Savarkar invented the term Hindutva as a political concept separate from India's ancient spiritual traditions.
Ayodhya Seers Reject Singh's Claims and Warn of Protests
Religious leaders in Ayodhya responded harshly to Singh's accusations. Mahant Sitaram Das Ji Maharaj stated that Congress leaders had rejected invitations to the Ram Janmabhoomi temple and hired 28 lawyers to oppose its construction. The Mahant warned that Singh would face black flags during his march and would not be allowed to worship in the city.
BJP Leaders Defend RSS and Savarkar Legacy
MENAFN reported that BJP leaders hit back at Singh's critique. BJP leader T.R. Sriniwas and spokesperson Vinusha stated that Sanatan Dharma does not need a "Congress certificate." They defended Veer Savarkar's legacy and rejected Singh's framing that the RSS distorts ancient religious traditions. The BJP portrayed the accusations as a political attack on Hindu nationalism.
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