Bhopal, Sep 10 (IANS): Amid controversy surrounding allegations of donation theft at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Digvijaya Singh has announced the ‘Sanatan Swabhiman Yatra’, which will begin in Ujjain on October 20, coinciding with Dussehra, and proceed towards Ayodhya.
While announcing the march, Digvijaya Singh described it as a journey from ‘Shivdham’ (the abode of Lord Shiva) to ‘Ramdham’ (the abode of Lord Ram), saying that the significance of Dussehra inspired him to undertake the yatra.
“Dussehra symbolises the victory of ‘Dharma’ (righteousness) over ‘Adharma’ (unrighteousness), and it is with this spirit that I decided to undertake the march… The objective of the march is not to oppose any political party or individual, but to hold a mirror to those allegedly involved in the misuse of devotees’ faith and the funds offered at the temple,” he said.
Digvijaya Singh levelled serious allegations against the government over the alleged misuse of offerings made to the Ram Mandir Trust and claimed that the government was attempting to shield Champat Rai.
The Congress leader also pointed out that allegations of irregularities had implicated certain individuals associated with the trust, which was constituted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He maintained that any alleged misuse of funds donated by devotees at a major centre of faith could not be accepted and stressed that contributions made by devotees must be handled and utilised in a transparent manner.
Singh said the proposed march was not intended as an attack on any particular political party or individual, but was rooted in Sanatan tradition, religious faith and respect for devotees. He said the allegations surrounding donations made to the Ram Temple would be raised before the public through the yatra.
During the announcement, Singh also referred to his political history and recalled that despite his opposition to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), he had participated in the ‘Ram Shila Pujan’ campaign during 1988-89.
The announcement drew a sharp response from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused Singh of using the Ram Temple issue for political purposes and urged him to first question Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his absence from the Ayodhya temple.
Uttar Pradesh Minister Rakesh Sachan, speaking to IANS, said Singh himself had not visited the Ram Temple to offer prayers and questioned the basis of his criticism.
“He (Digvijaya Singh) never even went there to offer prayers. Those involved in the theft of donations have already faced action after the Chief Minister constituted a full-fledged inquiry committee. A CEO has also been appointed there in a new arrangement. CM Yogi has consistently been concerned that no such incident should take place,” Sachan said.
Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi also hit out at Digvijaya Singh and said the Congress leader should first ask Rahul Gandhi why senior leaders of his party had not visited the Ram Temple in Ayodhya to pay obeisance.
“Digvijaya Singh should first ask Rahul Gandhi why his party’s senior leader has not visited the Ram Temple in Ayodhya to pay obeisance even once. Don’t these people feel ashamed?” Saraogi told IANS.
Saraogi said the Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, acted promptly after allegations regarding the theft of donations surfaced and constituted a committee to look into the matter.
“This is just an example of the Congress party’s appeasement politics. Next year, Uttar Pradesh is going to polls, and hence now they are remembering Lord Ram out of nowhere,” Saraogi added.
JD(U) National General Secretary Shyam Rajak also questioned Digvijaya Singh’s reference to Sanatan while attacking the Congress leader over his decision to launch the yatra.
“Which Sanatan is Digvijaya Singh talking about? He should first put his own house (Congress party) in order and take care of his own family,” Rajak said.
