Digvijay Singh Under Fire Again: Five Controversial Statements That Embarrassed the Congress

Bhopal:
Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP from Madhya Pradesh, Digvijay Singh, has once again triggered a political storm—this time by questioning the encounter of notorious Naxalite Madvi Hidma in Chhattisgarh. Sharing a video of tribal activist Soni Sori claiming the encounter was “fake” and “a murder,” Singh reignited a long-running controversy surrounding his remarks that repeatedly put the Congress on the defensive.

BJP Hits Back

The BJP strongly criticised Singh for amplifying the video. BJP MLA from Kalapipal, Ghanshyam Chandravanshi, said that Digvijay Singh “always stands with Naxalites and terrorists” and pointed out that the Congress leader did not express even a single word of condolence for Inspector Ashish Sharma from Narsinghpur, who was martyred in the operation. “He could have at least paid tribute. May God give him wisdom,” Chandravanshi said.

This is not the first time Digvijay Singh has created turmoil for his own party. Over the years, his controversial comments have caused political embarrassment to the Congress—sometimes even when the party was in power. Here are five major statements that put the Congress in a difficult position.

1. Questioning the Hidma Encounter

The latest controversy erupted when Singh called the Hidma encounter suspicious and promoted a video alleging it was a staged killing. The Congress immediately distanced itself from his stance, while the BJP accused him of being sympathetic to Naxalites. The issue escalated quickly, turning into a major political fight.

2. Demanding Proof of Surgical Strikes

One of his most criticised statements came after the Pulwama attack. Singh demanded “proof” of the Indian Army’s surgical strikes, indirectly questioning the credibility of the armed forces.
The BJP called it an insult to the military, while the Congress labelled it his “personal opinion,” especially at a time when Rahul Gandhi was leading the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

3. Controversial Remarks on Article 370

Singh sparked a major uproar when he criticised the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir. In an interview with a Pakistani journalist, he suggested that the Congress might restore Article 370 if voted to power.
The BJP used this statement extensively to target the Congress, forcing the party to publicly disassociate itself from his remarks.

4. Claiming Hindus Eat Beef, Citing Savarkar

In another controversial comment aimed at attacking the BJP, Digvijay Singh claimed that “Hindus are beef-eaters” and even referenced Veer Savarkar to support his argument.
This remark deeply hurt religious sentiments and once again pushed the Congress onto the back foot.

5. Comparing RSS to PFI & Commenting on Osama bin Laden

Singh has also compared the RSS to the radical Islamic outfit Popular Front of India (PFI), drawing harsh criticism from all quarters.
He also referred to Osama bin Laden as “Osamaji” and argued that he deserved a respectful burial—remarks that remained controversial for years.
Additionally, his claim that the Batla House encounter was fake—despite a police inspector being killed—further dented his political image and credibility.

A Pattern of Political Damage

From calling the Batla House encounter fake to raising doubts about national security operations, Digvijay Singh’s statements have repeatedly forced the Congress to clarify, distance, or defend. Many within the party believe such remarks derail their political messaging and give the BJP ammunition.

With the Hidma encounter controversy now in full swing, Digvijay Singh once again finds himself at the centre of national debate—raising questions about his intent, timing, and the recurring political embarrassment caused to his party.