Digvijaya Singh Objects to RSS Event at Daly College, Plans to Urge Mohan Bhagwat to Shift Venue

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Questions Political Activities on Educational Campus; Raises Concerns Over College Management, Student Holidays and Institutional Autonomy

(SDNA) Indore, Madhya Pradesh. A proposed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) event at the prestigious Daly College in Indore has triggered a political debate, with senior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh expressing strong reservations about the use of an educational campus for organizational gatherings.

Speaking to media representatives during the ‘Roobaroo’ programme organized by the State Press Club, Madhya Pradesh, Singh said he intends to write to RSS chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, urging the organization to consider an alternative venue for its proposed meeting. He questioned the appropriateness of holding political or organizational activities within the premises of an educational institution.

The controversy has brought the management of the historic institution into the spotlight, with questions being raised about campus-use policies, academic priorities and the distinction between educational spaces and political activities.

Objections Raised Directly with College Management

Singh said he had already met Daly College Chairman Vikram Panwar to communicate his objections regarding the proposed event. According to Singh, the chairman assured him that the college premises would not be made available to political parties in the future.

However, Singh indicated that the position concerning events organized by affiliated organizations or associated institutions remained unclear.

A former student of Daly College himself, Singh emphasized that the institution has an established reputation in education and sports. He argued that decisions concerning the use of its campus should be guided by clearly defined standards and respect for the institution’s standing.

His objections have added a new dimension to the debate over whether educational institutions should host large organizational gatherings and under what conditions such events should be permitted.

Questions Raised Over Jyotiraditya Scindia’s Response

Singh also referred to Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who has a connection with Daly College, and questioned why he had not publicly objected to the proposed event.

In a pointed political remark, the former chief minister asked why the RSS gathering had not been organized at the Scindia School in Gwalior instead.

Singh also cited his own tenure as Madhya Pradesh chief minister, stating that during his ten years in office, he had not organized political events on the Daly College campus.

His remarks reflect a broader political disagreement over the role of educational institutions and the extent to which their facilities should be used for activities organized by political or ideological groups.

Sports Infrastructure and Students’ Holiday Become Part of the Debate

Singh drew attention to Daly College’s sporting facilities, including its hockey astroturf and cricket ground, which he described as significant assets of the institution.

He also questioned the arrangements reportedly required for a gathering involving a large number of RSS volunteers and office-bearers travelling from different parts of the country and staying on the campus for several days.

Another major concern raised by Singh was the reported closure of the college for students during the event. He claimed that students had been directed to take a compulsory holiday for the first time because of such an arrangement.

The claim has brought the academic implications of the proposed gathering into focus. The extent of the disruption, the reasons for the holiday and the college management’s position would need to be assessed independently to establish the full circumstances.

Principal’s Professional Responsibilities Also Questioned

Singh also commented on the working arrangements of Daly College’s principal. He alleged that the principal was associated not only with Daly College but also with the management of a school in Rajpura, Punjab.

Questioning the arrangement on ethical grounds, Singh indicated that he could raise the issue of examining the principal’s professional responsibilities and working practices at an appropriate time.

These remarks constitute Singh’s allegations; no independent findings establishing wrongdoing have been presented in the information available for this report.

Letter to Mohan Bhagwat Planned

Reiterating his position, Singh said he would write to RSS chief Dr. Mohan Bhagwat regarding the proposed meeting at Daly College. The letter, he said, would urge the organization to select another suitable venue for the gathering.

His concerns extend beyond the choice of location to include the reported student holiday, the college administration’s decision-making process and the principles governing the use of educational premises.

The controversy now places the spotlight on the college management’s response and the eventual decision regarding the proposed venue. Whether the RSS considers an alternative location, and whether the institution issues a detailed clarification on the arrangements, remain key questions.

For now, the issue has emerged as a fresh point of political debate in Indore, highlighting the competing views surrounding institutional autonomy, educational priorities and the use of prominent academic campuses for large-scale organizational events.