Responding to a question on when he would visit the newly consecrated temple, Singh said he was currently studying the teachings of Adi Shankaracharya. Quoting the Vedantic dictum “Aham Brahmasmi”, he stated that the Supreme Brahman resides within oneself and, therefore, there was no compulsion to go anywhere for spiritual fulfilment. “Narayan resides in my heart,” Singh said, adding that spiritual realisation does not depend solely on physical visits to religious sites.
Singh also announced that the Vice-Chancellor of Ujjain Sanskrit University would deliver a discourse on Advaita Vedanta in Bhopal on January 25, underlining his engagement with classical Indian philosophy.
The statement drew a sharp reaction from BJP leaders. Bhopal MP Alok Sharma criticised Singh’s remarks, calling them hurtful to Sanatan sentiments. Sharma said Lord Ram symbolises dharma and faith for millions and questioned whether Singh would similarly refrain from visiting other religious places. He alleged that such comments damaged the Congress leader’s public image and demanded an apology to the Sanatan community.
The controversy revived attention on Singh’s earlier association with the Ram Temple issue. In January 2021, he had donated Rs 1,11,111 to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust through Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the temple’s construction. Along with the donation, Singh had written to the Prime Minister, urging that the fundraising process remain transparent and harmonious, without causing social division.
At the time, Singh had also sought a public accounting of funds collected earlier by the Vishva Hindu Parishad, arguing that transparency would strengthen public trust.
With religious identity and faith remaining politically sensitive issues, Singh’s remarks are likely to continue to draw reactions across the political spectrum in the days ahead.
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