In a video message shared on social media, Singh said Hindutva is not a religion but a political identity. He alleged that the BJP and the RSS seek to unite Hindus by claiming their religion is under threat, while on the other side, some Muslim leaders mobilise Muslims by suggesting they face danger from Hindus. “This is a politics of fear being played from both ends. Neither Hindus nor Muslims are under threat,” Singh said.
Expressing concern over current social conditions, the former chief minister said India is no longer just ideologically divided but is increasingly witnessing geographical and social segregation. Referring to the country’s partition, he said the politics of V.D. Savarkar and Muhammad Ali Jinnah had once divided the nation, but today the consequences are visible at a more local level. “Now it is not the country, but neighbourhoods and cities that are being divided. In many places, Hindus and Muslims are living in separate localities. This is a dangerous sign for the nation,” he warned.
On religious identity, Singh said the term “Hindu” is not of Vedic origin but comes from Persian usage and was historically linked to geography rather than faith. He reiterated that India’s core spiritual tradition is Sanatan Dharma, which he said signifies continuity and timelessness. Citing Advaita Vedanta and the teachings of Adi Shankaracharya, Singh said the essence of Sanatan philosophy lies in unity, self-realisation and the idea that divinity exists within every human being.
Singh further alleged that those claiming to be protectors of Sanatan Dharma are, in practice, harming religious sentiments. He referred to the alleged damage to Manikarnika Ghat and sites associated with Ahilyabai Holkar, saying such actions go against long-standing spiritual traditions and beliefs.
Concluding his remarks, Singh said India’s true identity is rooted in its Constitution, social harmony and equal citizenship, not in fear-driven politics or religious polarisation. He urged citizens to recognise and resist attempts to divide society on the basis of identity, and to work collectively to preserve unity and democratic values.
