By Special Correspondent
Indore: Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh on Saturday launched a sharp attack on what he described as the growing trend of “contractors of religion” spreading hatred in the country. Addressing journalists, he alleged that attempts are being made to communalise every issue and target Muslims, often depriving them of their livelihoods. He criticised the police for failing to act, calling it “deeply objectionable.”
Singh alleged that the son of a legislator in Indore has been pressuring businesses to dismiss Muslim employees. “Using the word ‘jihadi’ for Muslims is nothing but an attempt to spread hatred. In its true sense, jihad means fighting against evil. If I, as a Hindu, say ‘I love Ram’ or ‘I love Krishna’, what is wrong if Muslims say ‘I love Mohammad’?” he remarked.
He stressed that Indians must first see themselves as citizens of the nation before identifying by religion. “Without understanding the Constitution, one cannot understand these issues,” he said, adding that Muslims are consistently painted as extremists regardless of the matter.
On economic issues, Singh attacked the BJP government over GST, accusing it of burdening the public for eight years while sparing corporates. He said the recent reduction in GST slabs was being falsely promoted as a “Diwali gift.”
Taking aim at BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya, Singh said he had “lost respect for family values,” while recalling that he had once helped Vijayvargiya as Indore’s mayor. On the MY Hospital “rat scandal,” Singh quipped that his government had eradicated the problem in 1993, but “the BJP has brought the rats back.”
Later in the day, Singh was stopped by police from visiting Sheetlamata Temple or speaking to traders. He then marched on foot to Sarafa police station to file an FIR against the MLA’s son, accompanied by several Congress leaders and workers. A shopkeeper told him, “All my craftsmen are Muslims—how will we manage during the festive season if they are removed?”
