Grand welcome for 'Satya Sanatan Swabhiman Yatra' in Ashoknagar; While addressing the general meeting in village Sovat, the former Chief Minister narrated an old story of his political life, targeted BJP, announced to fight for the rights of Dalits and tribals.
Soft-spoken Desk, Guna/Ashoknagar. Former Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh 'Satya Sanatan Swabhiman Yatra' entered Ashoknagar district via Aaron on Thursday. When the yatra reached the district, a lot of enthusiasm was seen among the Congress leaders and workers. The Yatra was warmly welcomed in village Sovat, where Digvijay Singh also stayed for the night. In the general meeting organized during this period, he made an interesting revelation while remembering the early days of his political career. He said that when he came into politics in 1972, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia and Jan Sangh wanted him to join them, while Govind Narayan Singh wanted him to join Congress. Digvijay Singh said that after studying various ideologies and literature, he chose the ideology of equality of all religions of Congress.
Rajmata wanted to join Jan Sangh
Addressing the meeting organized in village Sovat, Digvijay Singh mentioned the initial phase of his political journey. He told that when he entered politics in the year 1972, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia and leaders of Jan Sangh wanted him to join Jan Sangh. On the other hand, Govind Narayan Singh wanted to join Congress.
Digvijay Singh said that during that period, along with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, he also studied the literature of Mahatma Gandhi, Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar and Ramdhari Singh Dinkar. After understanding the ideologies and considering their principles, he did not find the ideology of Jan Sangh suitable for him. After this he adopted the ideology of Congress which talks about equality of all religions and respect for all religions.
He also mentioned the question of undertaking a padayatra at the age of 80 and shared the experiences of his political life. He told that village Sovat also has a special connection with his old political journey. In the year 1970, this area used to be a part of Raghogarh assembly constituency.
'Raja Saheb has set out to do the work of Shri Ram Lalla…' Welcomed with the poem
When the yatra reached village Sovat, the local Congress leaders and workers welcomed it enthusiastically. Many senior Congress leaders and workers of the district including Engineer Haribabu Rai were present during this period.
In the welcome program, Digvijay Singh's supporter Pt. Ramcharan Sharma (Khamkheda resident) congratulated him through his powerful poem. The lines of his poetry were especially the subject of discussion.
He said-
'Regardless greetings to you here, let's welcome Nandan of Shri Raghovansh with flowers… From the doorstep of Mahakal Baba to Shri Dashrath Nandan Dham, Raja Saheb has set out for the work of Shri Ramlala.'
During the poetry recitation, the people present welcomed him with applause. These lines related to religious and cultural sentiments created a special atmosphere in the welcome ceremony.
Targeted at BJP, said – Sanatan Dharma does not teach hatred
In the general meeting, Digvijay Singh targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party and said that the basic idea of Congress is to respect all religions. He said that a religion which has a feeling of world welfare cannot be a medium to spread hatred.
He accused BJP of lying and distorting the basic spirit of Sanatan Dharma. Digvijay Singh said that in the Vedas and Geeta, the basis of caste system is not birth but karma. According to him, the basic spirit of Sanatan Dharma is harmony, harmony and welfare of all.
Allegation of cancellation of leases of Dalits during BJP rule
Raising the issue of the rights of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the former Chief Minister said that these classes were deprived of the rights to education and land for centuries. Referring to the role of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, he said that Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar was given important responsibility in the making of the Constitution.
Referring to his Chief Ministership, Digvijay Singh claimed that during his government, people belonging to Scheduled Caste and Tribe category were given leases of government and grazing land. At that time, allegations were also leveled against him regarding this decision.
He alleged that during the tenure of the present BJP government, the leases of people of these sections are being cancelled. He also alleged injustice towards Dalits and minorities and said that Congress will fight for the rights of such people.
Accused of weakening democratic rights
In his address, Digvijay Singh accused BJP, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of weakening the democratic franchise. He said that in a democracy it is necessary to protect the rights and dignity of every citizen.
He assured that Congress will fight strongly for the rights of the deprived, Dalit and tribal classes. Congress leaders, workers and local supporters of the district were present in the meeting and welcome program of the yatra organized in village Sovat.