Digvijaya Singh announces Ujjain to Ayodhya 1,000 km foot march:To seek Ram Mandir donation accounts and approach court

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has announced a non-political foot march from Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain to the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya, saying he wants accountability over allegations of financial irregularities in donations collected for the Ram Temple. Addressing the media at his residence in Bhopal on Friday, Singh said the march will begin on October 2. He added that he would not speak about the Congress party or use social media during the journey. Singh said he would carry copies of his donation receipt and cheque and invite people from all political parties who had contributed to the temple fund to join the march. He said they would collectively seek an account of how the donations were used. Plans legal action over alleged donation irregularities Earlier in the day, the Madhya Pradesh Mahila Congress organised a ‘Sadbuddhi Yagna’ and a mass fast near Mata Mandir in Bhopal over allegations of irregularities in Ram Mandir donations. Speaking at the event, Digvijaya Singh said he had donated ₹1.11 lakh for the construction of the Ram Mandir and still possesses both the donation receipt and a copy of the cheque. He announced that after consulting his senior advocate on July 5 or 6, he would travel to Ayodhya to file a case in court regarding the alleged financial irregularities. Demands action against those responsible Singh said that if any financial irregularities are established during the investigation, action should be taken against the trustees or office-bearers found responsible. He added that if required, he would seek accountability at the highest levels. ‘Donations made in Lord Ram’s name deserve transparency’ The former Chief Minister said devotees across the country had donated money in the name of Lord Ram with faith and trust. He argued that if the funds had been misused, an impartial investigation should be conducted. Singh further said that if a court establishes financial irregularities, he would reclaim his donation and instead donate it to a recognised religious institution or a trust headed by a Shankaracharya. Responds to criticism over his religious beliefs Rejecting allegations that he is anti-religion, Singh said he is a follower of Sanatan Dharma. He said he regularly participates in religious rituals, observes Ekadashi fasts, and has completed the Narmada Parikrama, describing himself as someone deeply connected to Hindu traditions. Questions RSS and VHP over financial transparency Singh also questioned the financial transparency of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). He said organisations collecting religious donations or Gurudakshina should publicly disclose how those funds are utilised. He also repeated his earlier allegations regarding land linked to the Mahakal Temple complex and called for greater transparency in the functioning of religious institutions. Raises concerns over temple trust and rituals The Congress leader also questioned the formation of the Ram Mandir Trust, the appointment of its office-bearers, and the process followed during the Pran Pratishtha. He claimed that several saints and Shankaracharyas had previously raised similar concerns publicly. Plans to put up a sign outside his residence Singh said he would install a signboard outside his residence stating, Entry prohibited for donation thieves. He also appealed to the public to demand greater transparency in the use of religious donations.