Bhopal, September 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Digvijaya Singh has announced the ‘Sanatan Swabhiman Yatra’, a march from Ujjain to Ayodhya that will begin on October 20, coinciding with Dussehra, amid a political controversy over allegations of donation theft at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Announcing the yatra, Singh described it as a journey from ‘Shivdham’, the abode of Lord Shiva, to ‘Ramdham’, the abode of Lord Ram. He said the significance of Dussehra, which symbolises the victory of Dharma over Adharma, inspired him to undertake the march.
Singh said the yatra was not aimed at opposing any political party or individual but at highlighting what he described as the alleged misuse of devotees’ faith and temple donations.
The Congress leader levelled allegations of irregularities involving offerings made to the Ram Mandir Trust and claimed that the government was attempting to shield Champat Rai. He also referred to allegations against individuals associated with the trust, which was constituted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Singh said donations made by devotees at a major centre of faith must be handled transparently and that the allegations surrounding the temple funds would be placed before the public during the yatra.
He also recalled his political history, saying that despite his opposition to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), he had participated in the Ram Shila Pujan campaign in 1988-89.
The announcement drew a sharp response from the BJP, which accused Singh of using the Ram Temple issue for political purposes.
Uttar Pradesh Minister Rakesh Sachan questioned Singh’s criticism, saying he had himself not visited the Ram Temple to offer prayers. Sachan said action had already been taken in connection with allegations of donation theft after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath constituted an inquiry committee and that a CEO had subsequently been appointed under a new administrative arrangement.
Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi also targeted Singh, asking why Congress leaders, including Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, had not visited the Ram Temple to pay obeisance. He said the Uttar Pradesh government had acted promptly after the allegations surfaced.
Saraogi described the proposed yatra as an example of what he called the Congress’ “appeasement politics”, alleging that the party was invoking Lord Ram ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections next year.
JD(U) National General Secretary Shyam Rajak also questioned Singh’s invocation of Sanatan tradition and advised him to first put his own party in order.
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