Digvijaya Singh: 'Hindutva is not Sanatan Dharma', cites Savarkar
Synopsis
Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has turned Veer Savarkar — a BJP icon — into the centrepiece of his argument that Hindutva and Sanatan Dharma are not the same thing. By citing Savarkar's own writings, Singh is attempting to split the BJP's ideological identity from Hindu religious tradition, in a move that is as politically calculated as it is philosophically pointed.
Key Takeaways
Digvijaya Singh on 6 November 2026 asserted that 'Hindutva is not Sanatan Dharma' , citing Veer Savarkar as the source of the distinction.
Singh claimed Savarkar was the first to use the term 'Hindutva' and himself stated it had no connection with religion.
He challenged the BJP , VHP , and RSS to clarify whether they believe in Sanatan Dharma.
The controversy began on Thursday when Singh alleged that spreading hatred is Hindutva, as practised by the RSS and VHP.
Singh defined Sanatan Dharma as an ancient, pluralistic philosophy centred on universal goodwill and welfare of all living beings.
Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Friday, 6 November 2026, escalated a political controversy over the ideology of Hindutva, asserting that it is distinct from Sanatan Dharma and invoking the late Veer Savarkar to make his case. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Singh claimed that Savarkar himself had drawn this distinction, arguing that the term 'Hindutva' carries no inherent religious meaning.
What Digvijaya Singh Said
Singh stated: 'Hindutva is not Sanatan Dharma. Savarkar himself said this, and he was the first to use the term Hindutva.' He challenged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to clarify whether they believe in Sanatan Dharma or not.
The Congress leader also quoted the traditional Sanatan prayer — 'Dharm ki jay ho, adharm ka naash ho' (May good triumph over evil) — arguing that this universal, pluralistic philosophy is what defines Sanatan Dharma, not the political ideology of Hindutva.
The Controversy That Preceded It
The remarks came a day after Singh triggered a political storm on Thursday by saying: 'Spreading hatred is Hindutva which is done by the RSS and VHP who consider Veer Savarkar as their leader.' Those comments drew sharp reactions from BJP leaders, setting off a war of words that continued into Friday.
Singh alleged that the BJP began invoking Sanatan Dharma publicly only after he raised the topic, asserting that the party's ideological roots lie in Hindutva rather than the broader spiritual framework of Sanatan Dharma. 'Their religion is Hindutva, not Sanatan. Hindutva spreads hatred, not Hindu. Savarkar himself said that Hindutva has no connection with religion,' he said.
Singh's Definition of Sanatan Dharma
Digvijaya Singh positioned Sanatan Dharma as an ancient, inclusive philosophy — one that respects all religions and works for the welfare of the entire world. He argued that organisations such as the RSS and VHP, in his view, follow an ideology that promotes hatred, which he said is at odds with this tradition.
'I have always maintained that our religion is Sanatan Dharma, which has existed in this country for thousands of years,' he said, adding that the values of goodwill toward all living beings and universal prosperity are central to it.
Political Context and What Comes Next
This dispute is the latest episode in a long-running ideological contest between the Congress and the BJP over who speaks for Hindu identity and tradition. Critics from the BJP are expected to rebut Singh's framing, particularly his use of Savarkar — a figure the BJP and RSS hold in high regard — to argue against their ideological positions. The exchange is likely to intensify ahead of upcoming state electoral cycles, where questions of religious identity have historically shaped voter sentiment.
Point of View
He attempts to strip the party of the claim that Hindutva and Hindu religious identity are synonymous. But the move carries risk — it re-centres a debate the Congress has historically struggled to win on the BJP's own ideological terrain. The more consequential question is whether this distinction resonates beyond party faithfuls or simply deepens an already entrenched culture-war cycle. With state elections approaching, the Congress appears willing to test whether reclaiming the Sanatan Dharma framing can peel away voters for whom religiosity matters but hardline politics does not.
NationPress
6 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Digvijaya Singh say about Hindutva and Sanatan Dharma?
Digvijaya Singh asserted on 6 November 2026 that Hindutva is not the same as Sanatan Dharma, citing Veer Savarkar — who he said first coined the term 'Hindutva' and stated it had no connection with religion. Singh argued that Sanatan Dharma is an inclusive, ancient philosophy, while Hindutva, as practised by the RSS and VHP, promotes hatred.
Why did Digvijaya Singh invoke Veer Savarkar in this debate?
Singh used Savarkar — a figure revered by the BJP and RSS — to argue that even the originator of the term 'Hindutva' distinguished it from religion. By citing Savarkar's own position, Singh sought to undercut the BJP's claim that Hindutva is equivalent to Hindu religious identity.
What controversy preceded Singh's remarks on Friday?
On Thursday, Singh had triggered a political storm by saying that spreading hatred is Hindutva, as practised by the RSS and VHP, who consider Veer Savarkar their leader. Those remarks drew sharp reactions from the BJP, setting the stage for his follow-up clarifications on Friday.
How does Digvijaya Singh define Sanatan Dharma?
Singh described Sanatan Dharma as an ancient, universal philosophy that has existed in India for thousands of years, rooted in values of goodwill toward all living beings, respect for all religions, and working for the welfare of the entire world.
What is the BJP's position in this controversy?
The BJP has not been quoted directly in this report, but Singh alleged that the party began invoking Sanatan Dharma only after he raised the topic, suggesting its ideological foundations lie in Hindutva rather than Sanatan Dharma. BJP leaders are widely expected to rebut his framing, particularly his use of Savarkar.
