"RSS, VHP distorting Sanatan Dharma": Digvijaya Singh attacks Sangh
Congress leader Digvijaya Singh launches a scathing attack on RSS and VHP, alleging financial fraud and the distortion of Sanatan Dharma.
In a massive political escalation, senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has launched a multi-pronged offensive against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). Singh accused these organisations of manipulating the essence of Sanatan Dharma and using the concept of "Hindutva" to fracture the social fabric of India.
Allegations of Religious Distortion and Social Division
Speaking via a video shared on social media platform X, Singh claimed that the national conversation has been hijacked by a continuous focus on Hindutva. He argued that this rhetoric, driven by the RSS and VHP, is creating deep rifts between different communities across the country.
"The discourse in this country has shifted to constantly harping on Hinduism, driven by the RSS and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad promoting 'Hindutva', a term coined by Savarkar," Singh stated. He further alleged that these divisions are manifesting as conflicts between Hindus and Muslims, as well as between Hindus and the Sikh and Christian communities.
The Congress leader made a significant theological claim, asserting that the term "Hindu" is absent from ancient religious texts. "Today, no one speaks of the Hindu religion; people speak of Sanatan Dharma. The word Hindu does not appear anywhere in our scriptures; be it the Vedas, Upanishads, or Puranas. This is the Sanatan Dharma that the VHP and the RSS are distorting," he added, emphasizing that India's strength lies in its unity in diversity.
Serious Financial Allegations and Ram Mandir Controversy
Beyond religious claims, Singh levelled heavy financial accusations against right-wing organisations and temple authorities. He specifically targeted the fundraising processes related to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Singh directed sharp criticism at Champat Rai, labelling him an "RSS agent" rather than a religious figure. He alleged that funds collected through the Ram Shilas initiative were embezzled and that fraud was committed during the construction of the Ram Mandir.
The Congress leader further alleged a direct financial link between religious offerings and political campaigning, stating: "The offerings received through the Vishwa Hindu Parishad are being diverted entirely into the BJP's election funds. The money is going into the construction of massive buildings for the BJP and the RSS."
BJP Hits Back: Calls for Legal Action
The allegations have sparked an immediate and fierce backlash from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Vishwas Sarang responded by condemning Singh's remarks, accusing him of habitual insults against Hindu devotees, saints, and the faith itself.
Sarang dismissed the claims as baseless rhetoric intended to serve political interests. "Digvijaya Singh has always been insulting Sanatan, Hindus, Hindu devotees, sadhus, and saints. To bake his political bread, he always promotes the politics of appeasement," Sarang said.
The Minister also reminded the public of the Congress party's historical stance, alleging they previously opposed the Ram Temple and conspired to demolish the Ram Setu. Sarang concluded by demanding that strict legal action be taken against Singh for his "factless" and "objectionable" statements.