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New Delhi: Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Monday donated an amount of 1.11 lakh for the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
With a letter urging for peace during the donation collection drive, Digvijaya Singh has sent a cheque in favour of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Digvijaya Singh expressed concern over the reported incidents of violence during the nationwide 44-day fundraising drive for the construction of Ram Temple launched by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad on January 15.
The Congress leader said religion is a matter of personal integrity, not a political tool, so donations for the temple should be treated as a personal choice, and collection shall not take place under the threat of violence.
"Lord Shri Ram was always been the center of faith for me and my ancestors, thus, I can't even imagine my existence without lord Ram. I have never used Lord Ram in politics, neither I will do ever as Mahatma Gandhi once said, "Religion is no test of nationality but a personal matter between man and his God," the Congress leader said.
Digvijaya Singh further stated, "I want to draw your attention to some donation drives of some organizations who are holding donation drives using weapons such as sticks, swords, and spears, etc and according to me such donation drive cannot be a part of any religious ritual or activity."
He also urged the prime minister to forbid organizations that are using violent means from collecting funds and to instruct all the states to ensure the prevention of such incidents.
The Congress leader has also urged PM Modi to direct the Vishwa Hindu Parishad to make the records of all donations collected in the past as well as in the present for construction on Ram Mandir.