After announcing his decision to vacate his Rajya Sabha seat, a perception had developed that Digvijay Singh’s political standing had diminished. The Congress party had sidelined him, but the results of the Datia by-election proved that Digvijay Singh remains at the center of Madhya Pradesh politics. Sharing the stage with Digvijay Singh, State Congress President Jitu Patwari himself called him a “guide” and a “senior leader.”
On January 13, 2026, Digvijay Singh made a major announcement: he was vacating his Rajya Sabha seat. Digvijay Singh’s current term was ending on April 9, 2026, and he clearly refused to run for a third term.
Digvijay Singh clearly stated, “I am vacating my seat.” This decision is his own. Digvijay Singh indicated that he would now focus on strengthening Madhya Pradesh’s political and organizational structure.
When his 12-year Rajya Sabha term ended on June 24, 2026, a figure emerged that he had raised 1,010 questions in Parliament. He spoke on every issue, including national security, education, farmers, and social welfare. He served as a member of the parliamentary committees on Home, Finance, Corporate Affairs, and Urban Development, and also chaired the Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports.
The matter is somewhat complicated here. While Digvijay Singh himself decided not to contest the Rajya Sabha, in June 2026, the Congress released its list of Rajya Sabha candidates. Digvijay Singh was the only sitting MP not given a ticket. This list included names like party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi’s close associate Meenakshi Natarajan, Praveen Chakraborty, Pranav Jha, Neeraj Dangi, Mansoor Ali Khan, and Pawan Khera.
However, former minister PC Sharma dismissed this notion, saying, “It’s impossible for anyone to sideline Digvijay Singh in the current political landscape.”
The matter became more heated when the returning officer rejected the nomination of Congress candidate Meenakshi Natarajan. Digvijay Singh termed it “theft by collusion” and alleged that when theft occurs, everyone is involved. The state government, the central government, the Election Commission, and, I feel compelled to say, even the Supreme Court…
This statement gave the BJP an opportunity. Madhya Pradesh Sports Minister Vishwas Sarang said that calling the Supreme Court a “thief” was an insult to the judiciary.
The true test of Digvijay Singh’s political relevance came in the Datia Assembly by-election. This seat fell vacant on April 2, 2026, following the disqualification of Rajendra Bharti.
Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari claimed on July 13, 2026, that “Congress will win this seat by 25,000 votes.” Patwari described this as a turning point in Madhya Pradesh politics. Patwari also said, “Today is the beginning of a change in Madhya Pradesh politics… Based on the response of the people of Datia, I am confident that Congress will win this seat by 25,000 votes.”
Another incident between Digvijay Singh and Jitu Patwari has been in the news. During a press conference on June 9, 2026, Jitu Patwari was seen asking Digvijay Singh to step down from his seat. Digvijay Singh got up and sat on a chair to the side.
The BJP cited this video as evidence of internal strife within the party. BJP State President Hemant Khandelwal said that senior leaders should not be insulted in this manner. However, Jitu Patwari denied this. Patwari said, “I did not remove him.” Digvijay Singh is our senior leader and mentor. Patwari said the seating adjustment was made so that Harish Chaudhary could sit next to Meenakshi Natarajan.
Digvijay Singh played an active role throughout the election campaign. When the Congress formally launched its Datia campaign on July 4, 2026, Jitu Patwari and Digvijay Singh jointly attacked the BJP. Even on the last day of campaigning, the two leaders jointly sought votes.
The results of the Datia by-election were announced on August 3, 2026, and the Congress won the seat. After the victory, Jitu Patwari said, “Datia has sounded the clarion call for change. The people do not accept the politics of arrogance, corruption, abuse of power, and malice.”
Digvijay Singh was denied a Rajya Sabha ticket, and some videos hinted at infighting within the party. But the Datia by-election proved that Digvijay Singh remains one of the most prominent faces of the Madhya Pradesh Congress.
Digvijay Singh handled the entire election campaign. Jitu Patwari publicly called him a “senior leader and mentor.” PC Sharma clearly stated, “It is impossible for anyone to sideline Digvijay Singh.” His crucial role in the Datia victory was acknowledged by all.
Under the leadership of Jitu Patwari, the Madhya Pradesh Congress won in Datia, and Digvijay Singh is also credited for this victory. This means that the two leaders worked together to bring the party to victory, despite occasional flashes of tension.
One thing is certain: Digvijay Singh remains “relevant,” and his presence in Madhya Pradesh politics cannot be ignored.