Veteran Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh CM Digvijaya Singh announced he will not seek a third term in the Rajya Sabha as his tenure ends in April 2026, following a request to allow representation from the SC community
Congress MP Digvijaya Singh. File Pic
Veteran Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh on Tuesday said that he will not seek a third term in the Rajya Sabha.
Congress MP and former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Digvijay Singh's tenure as Rajya Sabha MP is set to end on April 9, 2026.
The former CM’s decision comes after a request from Madhya Pradesh Congress SC Department President Pradeep Ahirwar, who urged him to make way for an SC community representative, as reported by news agency ANI.
Congress SC President Ahirwar, on Tuesday, also wrote a letter to Singh requesting that a representative from the Scheduled Caste community be sent to the Rajya Sabha this time.
When asked about Ahirwar's letter, Digvijaya Singh, while talking to the media, said, "It is not in my hands, but I would only like to say that I am vacating my seat (Rajya Sabha)," as cited by news agency ANI.
In his letter, Ahirwar also added that this step would boost Dalit self-respect and political participation, aligning with social balance and constitutional values.
Digvijay Singh vacating the Rajya Sabha seat will encourage social balance
While issuing the letter, Ahirwar said, "Placing before you the sentiments and expectations of nearly 17 per cent of Madhya Pradesh's Scheduled Caste population, I urge you to ensure representation from the Scheduled Caste community in the Rajya Sabha this time. This will not only be in line with social balance and constitutional values but also will strengthen the self-respect and political participation of the Dalit community," as cited by news agency ANI.
Digvijay Singh, a Rajya Sabha MP since 2014, has lost two Lok Sabha elections (2019, 2024) and previously served as Madhya Pradesh's CM from 1993 to 2003.
Previously, Digvijaya Singh had also served as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh for two consecutive terms from 1993 to 1998 and from 1998 to 2003.
After the Congress party lost power in 2003 in the state, the former chief minister announced not to contest elections for the next 10 years. Thereafter, he returned to active politics in 2013 and was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2014.
(With inputs from ANI)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
