Congress leader Digvijaya Singh. Archive. | Photo credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR
Veteran Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh on Tuesday announced that he will not seek a third term in Rajya Sabha. His current six-year term will expire on April 9, 2026.
Mr. Singh’s decision comes after a request from Madhya Pradesh Congress’ South Carolina department president Pradeep Ahirwar, who urged him to make way for a representative of the South Carolina community.
Mr. Ahirwar, on Tuesday (January 13, 2026), wrote a letter to Mr. Singh requesting that he send a representative of the Scheduled Caste community to the Rajya Sabha this time.
When asked about Mr Ahirwar’s letter, Digvijaya Singh told reporters: “It is not in my hands, but I would just like to say that I am leaving my seat.” [Rajya Sabha].”
In his letter, Mr. Ahirwar emphasized that this would boost self-respect and political participation of Dalits, aligning with social balance and constitutional values.
“By presenting to you the sentiments and expectations of nearly 17% of the Scheduled Caste population of Madhya Pradesh, I urge you to ensure representation of the Scheduled Caste community in Rajya Sabha this time. This will not only be in consonance with social balance and constitutional values but will also strengthen the self-respect and political participation of the Dalit community,” Mr. Ahirwar said in his letter.
Singh, a Rajya Sabha MP since 2014, lost two Lok Sabha elections (2019, 2024) and previously served as CM of Madhya Pradesh (1993-2003).
Previously, Digvijaya Singh 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, Mr. Singh announced that he would not contest elections for the next 10 years. He subsequently returned to active politics in 2013 and was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2014.
Published – January 14, 2026 06:46 am IST