Kalpana Mishra’s father has been on a hunger strike for 10 days in Rewa demanding action and justice in her death case. Family members said his health has worsened, while Congress state president Jitu Patwari joined the ongoing protest.

The hunger strike by the father of Kalpana Mishra in Rewa entered its 10th day on Thursday, with his health condition deteriorating during the protest demanding action in connection with her death case.Family members said his condition has worsened due to prolonged fasting and he is now unable to sit properly. Earlier, he was participating in the protest while sitting, but due to weakness he had to continue the hunger strike while lying down.The protest is being held at Sirmour Chauraha in Rewa, where Kalpana Mishra’s family has been demanding justice and action against those they hold responsible.

Family says hunger strike will continue

According to family members, Kalpana’s father’s health has been affected significantly after not taking food for several days.His son said that his father’s weakness has increased and he is struggling to even sit. Despite his deteriorating condition, the family has said the hunger strike will continue until their demands are addressed.The family has been raising questions over alleged negligence in treatment and hospital arrangements related to Kalpana Mishra’s death and has been seeking action from authorities.

Congress continues protest in Rewa

Meanwhile, the Congress has also continued its protest over the issue of health facilities in Rewa and the Kalpana Mishra case.Congress Madhya Pradesh president Jitu Patwari reached Rewa on Thursday and participated in the party’s protest at Agrasen Chauraha.Congress leaders said the agitation will continue until improvements are made in the healthcare system and action is taken against those responsible in the case.

Political leaders join the protest

Earlier, several Congress leaders and public representatives had also participated in the protest organised at Agrasen Chauraha.The ongoing demonstrations have intensified as Kalpana Mishra’s family continues its demand for a probe and accountability.The administration’s response and further action in the matter are being awaited.

Following the Congress victory in the Datia Assembly by-election, Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Jitu Patwari has written to Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, urging the state government to initiate a new political tradition of releasing White Papers on major governance and public welfare issues.

Sharing the letter on social media, Patwari said the Datia bypoll verdict reflected the public's growing preference for transparency, accountability and measurable governance over political promises.

'Datia Verdict Reflects People's Expectations'

In his letter, the Congress leader said the Datia result should not be viewed merely as an electoral outcome but as a broader message from the people of Madhya Pradesh.

According to Patwari, the mandate indicates that voters are seeking constructive politics centred on development, accountability and solutions rather than rhetoric or unfulfilled commitments.

He said democracy derives its strength from ensuring that both the government and the opposition remain answerable to the people.

Proposal for White Papers

Patwari proposed that the state government begin issuing detailed White Papers on major sectors affecting public welfare to promote informed public discourse.

He suggested that the exercise should cover key areas including electricity and drinking water supply, education, healthcare, agriculture and farmers' welfare, employment opportunities for youth, law and order, women's safety, issues concerning tribal communities, and the condition of Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes.

According to him, such documents would help present the government's assessment of these sectors while encouraging fact-based public discussion.

Call for Fact-Based Political Debate

The MPCC chief said the Congress was prepared to present its own data, suggestions and policy perspective on each of these public issues.

He argued that healthy democratic debate should be driven by facts and verified information rather than political accusations and counter-allegations.

Patwari said adopting such a practice would strengthen transparency and reinforce public confidence in democratic institutions.

Appeal for Greater Accountability

In the letter, Patwari urged the Chief Minister to treat the Datia verdict as an opportunity for introspection and collaborative governance rather than limiting it to the context of electoral politics.

He said if the government accepted the proposal, it would send a positive message that it was willing to engage in open dialogue, encourage accountability and address public concerns through evidence-based governance.

The letter comes shortly after the Congress secured victory in the Datia Assembly by-election, a result that has intensified political exchanges between the ruling BJP and the opposition in Madhya Pradesh.

The result of the Datia Assembly by-election, scheduled to be announced on August 3, is expected to carry political significance far beyond a single constituency. While only one seat is at stake, the verdict is likely to influence the political standing of several key leaders in both the BJP and the Congress and shape their strategies ahead of the 2028 Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections.

The bypoll has drawn statewide attention because of Datia's long-standing association with former Home Minister Dr. Narottam Mishra. After his defeat in the 2023 Assembly election, the BJP decided not to field him in the bypoll and instead nominated Ashutosh Tiwari. As a result, the outcome is being closely watched as a test of both the BJP's organisational strength and the Congress' ability to convert political opportunities into electoral gains.

BJP Victory Would Reinforce Leadership

If the BJP retains the seat, it would send a message that Datia remains a stronghold of the party rather than that of an individual leader. Political observers believe such a result would validate the party's decision to replace a veteran face with a new candidate without suffering electoral damage.

According to senior journalist Dinesh Gupta, a BJP victory would demonstrate that the party's organisational network and voter base remain intact despite the change in candidate. It could also make the party more confident in replacing established leaders with new faces in future elections.

Focus on Narottam Mishra's Future

The bypoll is also seen as a crucial moment for Dr. Narottam Mishra's political future. If the BJP wins despite denying him a ticket, it could indicate that the party has successfully broadened its appeal beyond individual leaders. At the same time, if Mishra actively campaigned for the party, the victory may strengthen his claim for a significant organisational or national-level role.

Political analysts suggest that such an outcome could revive discussions about assigning him responsibilities in the Rajya Sabha, national politics, organisational management or election strategy.

Test for Chief Minister Mohan Yadav

The Datia by-election is among the first major electoral contests under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. A BJP victory would be projected as an endorsement of his governance and campaign leadership.

It would also strengthen his position within the party as preparations gradually begin for the 2028 Assembly elections.

Organisational Boost for Hemant Khandelwal

For Madhya Pradesh BJP president Hemant Khandelwal, this is the first by-election after assuming charge of the state unit. A victory would underline his ability to manage organisational challenges, including candidate selection and local dissatisfaction.

Political observers believe it could further strengthen his influence over future organisational decisions and electoral planning.

Congress Defeat Could Raise Questions

If the Congress fails to win despite highlighting issues such as farmers' concerns, OBC politics and alleged dissatisfaction within the BJP, questions may arise over the effectiveness of its campaign strategy.

The result would also put focus on the leadership of Pradesh Congress Committee president Jitu Patwari, particularly regarding booth-level organisation and the party's preparedness for future electoral battles.

If Congress Wins

A Congress victory would immediately trigger debate over the BJP's decision to replace Dr. Narottam Mishra. The opposition would likely argue that the party lost its traditional bastion after sidelining one of its most prominent leaders.

Senior journalist Ashish Dubey believes such a result would provide the Congress with political momentum against the ruling BJP. Although one by-election cannot be treated as a statewide mandate, the opposition could use the victory to build a broader anti-government narrative ahead of 2028.

Bigger Role for Jitu Patwari

For Congress state president Jitu Patwari, winning Datia would be a significant political achievement. It would strengthen his authority within the organisation and reinforce confidence in his leadership at a time when the party is attempting to rebuild its base in Madhya Pradesh.

The result could also influence the Congress' electoral strategy and organisational restructuring in the run-up to the next Assembly election.

More Than a Constituency

While Datia represents only one Assembly seat, the political implications extend much further. The verdict will be viewed as a referendum on leadership decisions, organisational strength and electoral strategy in both major parties.

Whether the BJP retains the constituency or the Congress pulls off an upset, the bypoll is expected to shape political narratives in Madhya Pradesh well before the 2028 Assembly elections.

DATIA: The Datia Assembly byelection in Madhya Pradesh recorded a voter turnout of 71.4 per cent by the close of polling on Thursday, with voting remaining largely peaceful despite rain, a few technical glitches and allegations of irregularities from the Congress. The turnout was notably lower than the 2023 Assembly election, when the constituency had recorded 80.2 per cent voting. The contest is primarily between BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari and Congress nominee Ghanshyam Singh, while Azad Samaj Party candidate Damodar Singh Yadav and 18 others are also in the fray. More than 2.20 lakh registered voters were eligible to cast their ballots across 291 polling stations, including 186 booths in rural areas and 105 in urban pockets. Datia Collector and District Election Officer Swapnil Wankhede said polling began on schedule at all booths and arrangements had been made for free and fair voting. Minor technical problems involving VVPATs, ballot units and control units were reported at some polling stations, though election officials said these were resolved without significantly affecting the voting process.

The polling day also saw political allegations from the Congress, which claimed fake voting had taken place at booths in Sirol and Jigna. Congress candidate Ghanshyam Singh visited the locations and raised the matter with election officials. The party also accused the BJP of attempting booth capturing at Polling Booth No. 51. Singh alleged that one of his polling agents was taken away by police and that a BJP polling agent tried to influence voters before being removed by CRPF personnel. He demanded an impartial inquiry and claimed that the incident had been captured on CCTV. The allegations were rejected by former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra, who said Congress routinely raises such accusations when it expects defeat. Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari, meanwhile, expressed confidence that his party would win the seat comfortably despite what he described as the BJP's full organisational push in the constituency. No final finding on the Congress allegations was stated in the report.

Weather also created problems at a few locations during the Datia bypoll, with rain causing waterlogging at some polling booths and temporarily affecting voting. In Lakhanpur village, residents initially decided to boycott the election over the lack of road connectivity. Officials later spoke to the villagers and persuaded them to participate in the polling process. The byelection was required following the disqualification of former Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti after his conviction in a fraud case. Datia had witnessed strong voter participation in the 2023 Assembly election, but Thursday's turnout of 71.4 per cent was around nine percentage points lower. With polling now complete, attention has shifted to the counting of votes scheduled for August 3. The result will decide whether the BJP manages to wrest the seat from Congress or the opposition party retains its hold on the constituency. While Ashutosh Tiwari and Ghanshyam Singh remain the principal contenders, the votes secured by Damodar Singh Yadav and the other candidates could also influence the final margin in what has largely developed into a BJP-Congress battle.

Complaint Reaches EC

The Bharatiya Janata Party has filed a complaint with the Election Commission against Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari over remarks alleging that cash and liquor could be distributed to influence voters in the Datia Assembly bypoll.

BJP Rejects Allegations

The ruling party described the claims as baseless and sought action against Patwari. The complaint adds another layer of confrontation to a campaign already marked by sharp exchanges between senior leaders.

Development Takes Centre Stage

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav held roadshows for BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari and asked voters to support the party on its development record. The Congress has focused on accountability and local dissatisfaction.

Voting Set for July 30

The bypoll has attracted attention because it offers an immediate test of political momentum in Madhya Pradesh. Election authorities have also increased monitoring of cash, liquor and other inducements during the campaign.

Result Carries Wider Signal

Although one constituency cannot determine the statewide mood, the outcome will shape political messaging for both parties. A close result may also influence their strategy for upcoming local and Assembly contests.

The Madhya Pradesh Congress on Tuesday intensified its campaign over alleged examination irregularities by launching a two-day cyclothon from Indore to Bhopal, accusing the BJP-led governments of failing to curb paper leaks and protect students' interests.

Led by Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari, the march is being held under Rahul Gandhi's nationwide "Students' Voice" campaign. The initiative focuses on alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including NEET-UG and CBSE, as well as unemployment and youth-related concerns.

Addressing supporters during the journey, Patwari demanded impartial investigations into every paper leak case and questioned why, according to the Congress, those allegedly involved were linked to the BJP.

"Our demand is that every paper leak case should be investigated fairly. Why are the alleged mafias behind these leaks always connected to the BJP? Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should resign," Patwari said while addressing party workers in Dewas.

He said the campaign was aimed at amplifying the concerns of students and young job seekers. Referring to Rahul Gandhi's outreach to students, Patwari claimed the cyclothon was an effort to safeguard the future of the country's youth.

He also criticised the government, alleging that despite repeated concerns over examination irregularities and unemployment, authorities had failed to respond adequately. "People will ultimately bring about change if governments remain insensitive to the issues of students," he said.

Journey Through Central MP

The rally began in Indore on Monday morning with the participation of Congress workers, students and youth activists. As the convoy progresses, participants from Dewas, Sehore and Bhopal districts are expected to join the campaign before it concludes in the state capital.

During the route, Congress leaders received floral welcomes at several locations, while local party units organised reception points for the participants.

Former minister Sachin Yadav joined the march after cycling approximately 36 kilometres to Dewas. He also demanded accountability from the Union Education Ministry over alleged examination irregularities, saying responsibility should be fixed if lapses were established.

Youth Congress leaders claimed that the public response to the campaign reflected growing concern among young people regarding employment opportunities and the credibility of recruitment and entrance examinations.

Fine Imposed Over Littering

The campaign also attracted controversy in Indore after videos surfaced on social media allegedly showing litter near the Mahatma Gandhi statue following the programme.

After inspection, the Indore Municipal Corporation imposed a spot fine of ₹2,000 on NSUI state in-charge Ravi Dangi for alleged littering at the venue.

Reacting to the action, Congress MLA Mahesh Parmar accused the BJP of politicising the issue and argued that larger civic concerns, including drinking water quality, deserved greater attention.

Mixed Scenes During the Campaign

Live updates from the route showed varying public participation. At one point in Sonkatch, leaders addressed a stage where very few audience members were present. Visuals also showed additional support vehicles accompanying the cyclists, while organisers stated that reserve bicycles were being carried for logistical reasons.

The Congress has positioned the cyclothon as part of its broader campaign to raise issues concerning students, examination transparency and employment. Meanwhile, the BJP has not yet issued a detailed response to Patwari's latest allegations in connection with the march.

The campaign is scheduled to culminate in Bhopal after covering major towns across central Madhya Pradesh.

The Congress intensified its preparations for the upcoming Datia Assembly by-election on Saturday by holding a major workers’ convention, where senior party leaders gathered to discuss electoral strategy and organizational coordination. The meeting, however, began on an unusual note as former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh and Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Jitu Patwari arrived nearly four hours behind the scheduled time.

Despite the delay, party workers welcomed the leaders enthusiastically at the venue, a hotel in Datia, where hundreds of Congress members and local leaders had assembled since the morning. Following their arrival around 2 p.m., Digvijaya Singh and Jitu Patwari interacted with party workers before joining the closed-door deliberations. Local leaders later addressed the gathering, while party workers awaited speeches from the senior leadership.

The convention is being viewed as a crucial exercise ahead of the Datia by-election, with the Congress expected to finalize its electoral strategy and possibly identify its candidate for the prestigious contest. Party insiders believe the discussions are aimed not only at strengthening the campaign but also at resolving internal differences that have surfaced over ticket distribution.

Several prominent Congress leaders have emerged as potential contenders for the bypoll ticket. Former MLA Ghanshyam Singh and former Minister Awadhesh Nayak are among the leading aspirants. At the same time, supporters of former MLA Rajendra Bharti have been demanding that the party consider a member of his family for the nomination. District Congress president Ashok Dangi Bagda and city Congress president Ajay Shukla are also reportedly in the race.

The event also revived memories of the controversy surrounding the 2023 Assembly election ticket. Political circles have long maintained that Awadhesh Nayak’s candidature was dropped at the last moment after Rajendra Bharti secured the party nomination. Addressing party workers, Nayak referred to that episode, saying his ticket had been finalized before being withdrawn under unexpected circumstances. Nevertheless, he asserted that he would fully support whichever candidate the Congress ultimately chooses, stressing that defeating the BJP remains the party’s priority.

Former MLA Ghanshyam Singh also attempted to project unity, stating that he had no personal insistence on contesting the election and would stand by the party’s decision. However, he acknowledged that both Rajendra Bharti’s family and Awadhesh Nayak had legitimate claims for consideration.

While the meeting focused on electoral planning, it also exposed organizational concerns within the party. Senior Congress leader Raju Dangi publicly questioned the strength of the party’s grassroots network by highlighting the low attendance of booth-level presidents at the convention. Addressing the senior leadership from the stage, he remarked that ordinary workers often receive attention only during elections and are ignored for the rest of the political cycle.

Signs of factionalism were also visible outside the conference hall, where some workers wore T-shirts carrying slogans expressing opposition to a local leader, underscoring the internal challenges the Congress faces ahead of the by-election.

Meanwhile, former MLA Rajendra Bharti remained absent from the convention. Party leaders said he is currently in Delhi following a medical procedure and is also awaiting a hearing scheduled for July 8 in connection with an election-related matter before the High Court.

Originally planned for Thursday, the workers’ convention was rescheduled to ensure the participation of senior leaders. Apart from Digvijaya Singh and Jitu Patwari, several other prominent Congress figures were expected to attend, reflecting the importance the party is attaching to the Datia bypoll.

Political observers believe the outcome of the closed-door meeting could determine not only the party’s candidate but also its campaign strategy, as the Congress seeks to present a united front against the BJP in one of Madhya Pradesh’s closely watched electoral contests.

A special MP-MLA court has issued an arrest warrant against Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari in connection with alleged defamatory remarks made during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign against BSP candidate Devashish Jararia. The court also directed the Bhind Superintendent of Police to ensure Patwari’s presence at the next hearing on 27 July.

During the hearing, the court strongly questioned the police’s claim that Patwari could not be traced, remarking that if his statements and political activities are visible everywhere, it was hard to understand why police could not find him. The judge’s comments made it clear that the court was displeased with the progress of the case.

What the case is about

The case dates back to 27 April 2024, when Patwari was campaigning in the Umri area of Bhind district in support of Congress candidate Phool Singh Baraiya. During that public meeting, he allegedly accused Devashish Jararia of having links and dealings with the BJP after Jararia had left Congress and joined the BSP.

According to the complaint, Patwari also used informal and disrespectful language while making the allegations, which Jararia objected to. A video CD of the rally was later submitted with the complaint, forming part of the evidence in the case.

FIR and court action

Based on Jararia’s complaint, Bhind’s Umri police station registered an FIR against Patwari on 4 May 2024. The court had earlier issued a notice asking him to appear on 16 January 2026, but he did not appear before the court.

At the latest hearing, police told the court that they were unable to locate him. The court rejected that explanation and ordered the Bhind SP to ensure that Patwari is produced in court on the next date.

Why it matters

The order adds legal pressure on one of Madhya Pradesh’s most prominent opposition leaders. It also reflects the court’s dissatisfaction with the police response and the delay in securing the accused’s presence.

If the next hearing goes forward as scheduled, the court is expected to examine both the alleged remarks and Patwari’s non-appearance. The case will likely continue to draw political attention because it involves campaign speech, defamation allegations and a sitting party chief.

Supreme Court defers hearing on Congress plea against cancellation of Meenakshi Natarajan’s Rajya Sabha nomination from Madhya Pradesh.

The Supreme Court on Thursday deferred till Friday a hearing on a Congress petition challenging the rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan’s nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha elections from Madhya Pradesh. The adjournment came after the Election Commission told the court it had not received a copy of the petition.

The development has intensified the political slugfest in the state, with the Congress accusing the poll panel and the Returning Officer of bias, while the BJP maintains the decision followed due process over non-disclosure of a pending case.

Nomination Rejected During Scrutiny

The controversy erupted on June 9 when Returning Officer Arvind Sharma rejected Natarajan’s papers during scrutiny. BJP’s Mahesh Kewat, one of the candidates for the third seat, had raised an objection, claiming the Congress leader failed to disclose details of a private complaint pending against her in a Hyderabad court in her election affidavit (Form 26).

Congress leaders, including senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, argued that the matter was merely a “show cause notice” issued on a private complaint and did not amount to a pending criminal case requiring disclosure. No FIR had been registered, and no cognizance had been taken by the court, they contended.

Congress Moves Supreme Court

Late on Wednesday night, the Congress filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking urgent intervention. During the brief hearing on Thursday, Singhvi pressed for immediate relief, pointing out that the last date for withdrawal of nominations was 3 pm on June 11. The Election Commission, however, sought time to examine the petition.

The apex court eventually listed the matter for Friday, with Congress requesting that the election process, including declaration of results, be stayed in the interim.

BJP Poised for Clean Sweep

Madhya Pradesh is electing three Rajya Sabha members on June 18. With Natarajan’s nomination out and the other two Congress candidates also reportedly facing issues, the BJP’s Tarun Chugh, Rajneesh Agrawal, and Mahesh Kewat are now set for an unopposed victory if no last-minute changes occur. This would hand the saffron party all three seats without a contest.

Congress leaders have termed the rejection an attempt to “steal” the seat and undermine democracy.

 Protests and Political Fallout

The party has been protesting in Bhopal and Delhi. Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari and Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar accused the Election Commission of acting as a “rubber stamp” for the BJP. Singhar questioned why the Commission intervened in cases involving BJP candidates in other states but remained silent here.

A delegation of Congress leaders, including Singhvi, also met Election Commission officials on Wednesday, urging them to overturn the Returning Officer’s decision. Separately, Congress MLAs are scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu in Delhi on Thursday to highlight the issue.

Senior leaders are also holding a meeting at the AICC headquarters to strategise the next steps, both legally and politically.

What Happens Next

Legal experts point out that the Election Commission has the authority to review the Returning Officer’s order. Former Chief Election Commissioner O.P. Rawat noted that if the Commission finds merit in Congress’s arguments, it could direct restoration of the nomination, potentially leading to fresh polling for that seat.

If the Commission does not intervene before the withdrawal deadline, the process will move forward with the remaining valid candidates. The Supreme Court’s decision on Friday could, however, introduce further twists, including possible interim relief.

The Congress has maintained that the rejection sets a dangerous precedent for disclosure norms in election affidavits, while the BJP has defended the scrutiny process as necessary for transparency.

As political temperatures rise in Bhopal and Delhi, all eyes remain on the apex court’s hearing tomorrow and any move by the Election Commission before the crucial 3 pm deadline on Thursday.

The outcome will not only decide the fate of one Rajya Sabha seat but also test the robustness of the electoral dispute resolution mechanism ahead of larger polls.

MP Congress Launches 'Project M' to Mobilise Minority Women 

In a significant organisational push, the Madhya Pradesh Congress on Saturday formally launched 'Project M', a dedicated initiative aimed at building a network of minority women across the state to strengthen grassroots connect.

Party chief Jitu Patwari is scheduled to inaugurate the project at the state Congress office, where around 160 selected women from minority communities are participating in orientation sessions spanning nearly three hours.

Targeted Outreach, Not Street Protests

Congress leaders said the project marks a strategic shift in how the party engages with minority women, who have historically shown limited participation in active politics beyond a few prominent families. Unlike traditional agitation-based programmes, members of this group will steer clear of dharnas, rallies, and protests.

Instead, they will focus on door-to-door outreach, building personal connections within their communities and encouraging greater political awareness and participation.

Inspired by Long-Term Community Work

Party sources familiar with the planning said the initiative draws inspiration from sustained, quiet organisational work at the community level. Officials described it as an attempt to create a platform where minority women can showcase their leadership qualities in a secular framework, addressing the party's view that certain sections feel less comfortable with the ruling BJP's ideology.

Dr Sanjay Kamle, the Congress's state organisational in-charge, called Project M a special mission of the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee. He noted that groundwork began nearly six to seven months ago, overcoming several challenges before a core team could be formed.

Diverse Representation

The group is not limited to any single community. It includes women from Muslim, Christian, Jain, Buddhist, and Sikh backgrounds. Many of them are visiting the Congress office in Bhopal for the first time, marking their initial formal engagement with the party structure.

Sessions on Saturday will brief participants on the project's strategy, expected roles, and long-term goals. Emphasis has been placed on capacity building and community-level messaging.

Performance-Based Opportunities

Congress leaders indicated that women who perform well in expanding the party's reach could be given bigger responsibilities. Good performers may even get a chance to contest the upcoming urban local body elections on party tickets, based on their interest and demonstrated ability.

This approach is seen as an effort to nurture new faces and broaden the party's base among minorities, who form a crucial demographic in several urban and semi-urban pockets of Madhya Pradesh.

Congress Aims to Counter Prolonged Out-of-Power Phase

The launch comes as the Congress, out of power in the state for several years, continues efforts to reorganise and reconnect with various social groups. Party leaders believe this structured, low-profile mobilisation could prove more effective than large-scale public protests in building lasting loyalty.

Jitu Patwari and other senior leaders have repeatedly stressed the need to give women due respect and space in politics, in line with constitutional values.

As the sessions conclude later on Saturday, expectations are high within the party that Project M could emerge as a quiet but potent force in the run-up to future electoral battles, particularly municipal polls expected next year.

The initiative reflects the Congress's attempt to innovate its outreach in a state where traditional methods have yielded limited success in recent times. How effectively this core group translates the vision into ground-level impact will be closely watched in the coming months. 

Congress Faces Growing Caste Pressure for Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha Seat

Sindhi community joins Dalit and Brahmin leaders in staking claim to the vacant Upper House seat from the state, intensifying internal deliberations in the Congress ahead of the election.

Caste Equations Heat Up

The Congress in Madhya Pradesh is witnessing heightened caste-based demands for the Rajya Sabha seat that will fall vacant following the end of senior leader Digvijaya Singh's second term on April 9. Party workers and community representatives have stepped up efforts to influence the ticket distribution, turning the selection process into a delicate balancing act of social representation.

Digvijaya Singh Opts Out

Former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh has categorically ruled out contesting for a third term in the Rajya Sabha. He made the announcement earlier this year during a convention of SC and ST organisations in Bhopal, signalling his desire to focus on grassroots politics and organisational work in the state. His decision has opened the field for fresh claimants from various social groups within the Congress fold.

Dalit Leadership Demands Representation

Soon after Digvijaya Singh's statement, Madhya Pradesh Congress SC Department president Pradeep Ahirwar urged the party high command to field a Dalit leader for the seat. He argued that the vacancy provided an opportunity to strengthen Scheduled Caste representation in Parliament. Former minister Sajjan Singh Verma extended support to this demand, highlighting the need for greater Dalit visibility in key national forums.

Brahmin Leaders from Vindhya Push Claim

Leaders from the Brahmin community in the Vindhya region recently met state Congress president Jitu Patwari and senior leader Umang Singhar. The delegation emphasised the significant influence of Brahmins in the Vindhya belt and pressed for adequate representation through the Rajya Sabha nomination. They pointed to the community's historical association with the Congress and its role in the party's organisational base in the region.

Sindhi Community Enters the Fray

In a fresh development, Dilip Tharwani, general secretary of the Rewa City Congress Committee, has written to Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. In the letter, Tharwani highlighted the long-standing loyalty of the Sindhi community towards the Congress and its consistent contributions to the party's ideology across generations.

He requested that the party consider a deserving candidate from the Sindhi community for the Rajya Sabha seat. Copies of the letter were also marked to Madhya Pradesh Congress in-charge Harish Chaudhary and state president Jitu Patwari. Tharwani, who described himself as a dedicated worker, expressed confidence that a Sindhi representative would effectively raise party policies and public issues in Parliament, further strengthening community ties with the Congress in the state.

Triangular Social Dynamics

The emerging triangular contest—Dalit, Brahmin, and now Sindhi—has added layers to the caste arithmetic within the Madhya Pradesh Congress unit. Party insiders indicate that the high command is closely monitoring these representations while weighing multiple factors, including organisational strength, winnability, and broader social outreach.

Sources familiar with the developments said the party remains committed to inclusive representation but will take a final call keeping in view the overall political strategy for the state.

Impact on Party Unity

Such community-specific demands reflect the Congress's attempt to consolidate support among diverse social groups in Madhya Pradesh, where caste plays a pivotal role in electoral politics. Observers note that handling these aspirations carefully will be crucial for maintaining internal harmony ahead of future electoral battles, including assembly and parliamentary polls.

The Rajya Sabha election for the vacant seats from Madhya Pradesh is expected in the coming weeks, with the party likely to announce its candidate after due consultations at the central level.

What Lies Ahead

The Congress high command is expected to balance these competing claims while ensuring the nominee aligns with the party's larger goal of strengthening its presence in the state. Whether the final choice tilts towards one community or brings in a consensus figure remains to be seen, but the ongoing deliberations underscore the importance of caste considerations in ticket distribution.

In Indian politics, a graceful exit is rarely just an exit. When a veteran leader steps back, what follows is almost always a fierce contest for the vacuum left behind. And in Madhya Pradesh Congress, that contest has already begun.

Veteran Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh has announced he will not seek a third term in the Rajya Sabha, with his current six-year tenure set to expire on April 9, 2026. Rewa Riyasat The announcement, delivered almost casually to reporters in Bhopal — "I am vacating my seat" — has set off a scramble inside the Congress that reveals everything about where the party stands today in MP.

Why Digvijaya Singh Is Stepping Back

The trigger, on the surface, was a letter. MP Congress Scheduled Caste Department President Pradeep Ahirwar wrote to Singh urging the party leadership to ensure a representative from the Scheduled Caste community takes the Rajya Sabha seat from MP, citing the need to strengthen Dalit self-respect, political participation, and constitutional values. New Kerala

Singh responded publicly and swiftly — almost too swiftly for a leader of his stature. He has since clarified that he personally requested the Congress high command not to field him for a third consecutive term, and that this decision should not be interpreted as retirement from active politics. IndiaMART

But political watchers are not entirely convinced that this was purely an act of social conscience.

The Pressure Within the Party

Senior political analyst Girija Shankar told Business Standard: "Whenever a leader makes such statements outside the party forum, it should be understood that his voice is no longer being heard within the party as it used to be. Some time ago, BJP's Uma Bharti did something similar." ANI News

This is a significant observation. Digvijaya Singh announcing such a major decision through a press conference — rather than through party channels — signals a leader sending a message upward, not downward.

Congress sources say Singh recently made a presentation at the Congress headquarters in Delhi regarding strengthening the MP Congress at the grassroots level and organisational reforms, with state in-charge Harish Chaudhary, PCC president Jitu Patwari, and Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar in attendance. ANI News The fact that he is already positioning himself as a party reformer — while stepping away from the Rajya Sabha — tells you he is not done. He is simply changing lanes.

Who Wants the Seat Now?

Three Rajya Sabha seats are falling vacant in MP. Of these, two are expected to go to the BJP and one to the Congress. Names already circulating include former Chief Minister Kamal Nath, former MPCC president Arun Yadav, current state unit president Jitu Patwari, and several leaders from the SC/ST community. Business Today

This is where the real tension lies. The Congress in MP has been weakened significantly after successive electoral defeats — in the 2023 Assembly polls and the 2024 Lok Sabha results. Every aspirant knows that a Rajya Sabha berth may be their only path to staying politically relevant in the near term.

Singh's own electoral record adds context — he lost Lok Sabha elections in both 2019 and 2024. Amar Ujala The Rajya Sabha was, in many ways, the last institutional platform keeping him at the national table. Voluntarily giving it up — or being nudged to — is a moment that changes the Congress's power equation in MP irreversibly.

What This Means for Dalit Representation

Let us not lose sight of the real, substantive issue buried under the political theatre. As Ahirwar's letter highlighted, nearly 17% of Madhya Pradesh's population belongs to the Scheduled Caste community, and they remain significantly underrepresented in the Upper House. India TV News

Whether Congress actually follows through with an SC nominee — or whether the seat eventually goes to a more established upper-caste leader backed by internal lobbying — will be the true test of the party's commitment to inclusion.

Opinion: Graceful Exit or Forced Retreat?

Digvijaya Singh declared that he has always been active in the state and will keep fighting for people and the party until his last breath. IndiaMART Those are the words of a politician who knows his relevance is being questioned, and is determined to answer the critics through action.

His decision to focus on grassroots party building ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections — still over two years away — is either a smart political pivot or a face-saving retreat from a seat he could no longer hold with certainty. Perhaps both.

What is certain is this: the Rajya Sabha seat battle in MP is now the hottest political contest in central India. Congress's choice will reveal not just who gets the ticket, but what the Grand Old Party truly stands for in 2026 — power or principle.