World · India Bureau
Digvijay Singh Distinguishes Support for Sanatan Dharma from Hindutva
Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh has clarified his ideological position, stating he supports Sanatan Dharma while distancing himself from the concept of Hindutva. Singh characterized his ongoing spiritual initiative as a non-political endeavor during remarks in Madhya Pradesh.
LSN India ·
Digvijay Singh, a prominent figure in the Indian National Congress, made the distinction during an address in Shajapur, drawing a line between his commitment to Sanatan Dharma and what he termed the political ideology of Hindutva. The statement reflects an attempt by Singh to situate his spiritual and cultural engagement within a broader philosophical framework.
Singh attributed the concept of Hindutva to Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, the ideological precursor to contemporary Hindu nationalist movements in India. By making this connection, Singh sought to establish Hindutva as a specific political and historical construct distinct from the ancient spiritual traditions encompassed by Sanatan Dharma.
The Congress leader is currently undertaking what he has termed the 'Satya Sanatan Swabhiman Yatra'—a campaign or journey focused on truth, dharmic traditions, and self-respect. Singh emphasized that this initiative operates outside the framework of conventional political activity, framing it instead as a cultural and spiritual pursuit.
The remarks underscore ongoing debates within Indian political discourse regarding the distinction between religious philosophy and political ideology, particularly as questions of cultural identity continue to feature prominently in national discourse.