Digvijaya Singh to file Ayodhya court case over Ram Temple donation irregularities
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Senior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh on Friday, 3 July announced he would approach an Ayodhya district court in Uttar Pradesh over alleged financial irregularities in donations collected for the construction of the Ram Temple. Singh stated that crores of devotees who contributed to the temple fund have the right to know how their money was utilised.
What Singh Announced
Singh made the announcement while addressing a 'Sadbuddhi Yajna' and collective fast organised by the Madhya Pradesh Mahila Congress near Mata Mandir in Bhopal. The event was also attended by former minister P.C. Sharma, Mahila Congress state president Reena Borasi Setia, and several party workers.
Singh disclosed that he had personally donated ₹1.11 lakh for the Ram Temple's construction and still holds the receipt and a copy of the cheque. 'I donated ₹1.11 lakh for the construction of the Ram Temple. I still have the receipt and a copy of the cheque. After consulting my senior counsel on July 5 or 6, I will go to Ayodhya and file a case in the court,' he said.
The Allegations and Demands
Singh argued that donations made in the name of Lord Ram by millions of devotees deserved full accountability. 'People made donations in the name of Lord Ram with complete faith. If there has been any misuse of those funds, an impartial investigation should be conducted, and those found responsible should face action,' he stated.
He further said that if the court establishes financial irregularities, he would seek the return of his own contribution and donate it instead to another recognised religious institution or a Shankaracharya's trust. He also questioned the financial transparency of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), and raised concerns over the formation and functioning of the Ram Mandir Trust.
Singh Pushes Back on Anti-Religion Label
Anticipating political criticism, Singh dismissed allegations that he is anti-religion. He said he has consistently followed the Sanatan tradition, regularly observes religious rituals, and has undertaken the Narmada Parikrama. His remarks are aimed at insulating the Congress from BJP accusations of targeting Hindu institutions.
What Comes Next
'There should be complete transparency in the use of religious donations. Devotees have the right to know how their money has been spent, and every institution handling such funds should be accountable,' Singh said. He also announced he would install a plaque outside his residence reading, 'Entry of donation thieves is prohibited in my house,' calling on citizens to demand greater transparency from religious fund managers. Singh is expected to travel to Ayodhya and formally file the case after consulting legal counsel around 5 or 6 July.