Bhopal, Oct. 20 -- Senior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh on Tuesday launched the Satya Sanatan Swabhiman Yatra from Ujjain, embarking on an approximately 950-km foot march to Ayodhya that is scheduled to span nearly 70 days.

The yatra began on Vijayadashami after Singh offered prayers at the Mahakaleshwar temple and Chintaman Ganesh temple in the holy city. Accompanied by his wife, Amrita Singh, he also participated in religious rituals, including the worship of Parthiv Shivlings, before setting out on the journey.

The march, which Singh has described as a journey from Shivdham to Ramdham, is intended to raise questions about transparency in Ram temple donations and the management of religious institutions. The Congress leader has also linked the initiative to concerns over alleged electoral irregularities, bringing issues of religious accountability and democratic processes into the public discourse.

The procession set off amid religious chants, devotional music and participation by saints and supporters. A religious tableau and a specially prepared chariot formed part of the procession, while water from five rivers - the Shipra, Narmada, Yamuna, Ganga and Sarayu - was carried during the journey.

The organisers have planned a daily walking schedule of approximately 15 km, with the route passing through towns and villages in Madhya Pradesh before proceeding towards Uttar Pradesh and Ayodhya. The journey is expected to provide opportunities for interaction with local residents, devotees and other sections of society along the route.

The yatra comes amid an ongoing political debate over religion, temple administration and the role of religious institutions in public life. Singh, a prominent Congress leader, has sought to frame the march around the principles of Sanatan tradition while demanding greater transparency and accountability in the handling of temple offerings.

The allegations raised in connection with donations and electoral processes remain claims made by the leader and should be assessed on the basis of evidence and responses from the institutions concerned.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.