Jabalpur: In a statement that might add to the crowded list of CM aspirants in the Congress, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh has hinted that he won’t be away from active politics for long.
Digvijaya is currently on a tour of areas around the Narmada river. When asked about his political future, the Congress general secretary said, “I am a politician, won’t fry pakodas after Narmada Parikrama.”
Digvijaya’s comments are believed to be a message to all those who have counted him out of the CM race. Many believe the latest remarks could alter internal dynamics within the Congress ahead of the Assembly polls.
Digvijaya is serving a serving a self-imposed exile since losing power in Madhya Pradesh to Uma Bharti in 2003. Prior to 2003 Assembly polls, Singh brimming with confidence, had announced his decision to shun active politics for 10 years if he lost but extended his exile after 2013.
Political analysts have always maintained that Digvijaya’s Narmada tour was a precursor to his return to active politics in Madhya Pradesh.
The Congress has not announced any CM candidate yet but Jyotiraditya Scindia has emerged as the frontrunner for the post.
Digvijaya, a two-time Chief Minister, might not have been active in MP but given his close ties with the Gandhis, he always enjoyed a greater say in party affairs in the state.
His reemergence in state politics was evident after several state leaders joined him during the course of his the Narmada Yatra, hinting that Digvijaya could well be at the helm of affairs when the party goes to polls this year.
The ‘Narmada Parikrama’ is expected to traverse as many as 90 assembly constituencies.
A seasoned politician, Digvijaya has now has avoided political comments saying he has vowed not to talk politics during his yatra and assured everyone he would make his views public after the religious journey concludes. As his journey eyes completion next month, it seems he has perfectly timed his latest comment.
Many believe Digvijaya is an obvious choice for the leadership in the CM race as he commands immense respect and following among Congress workers across the state unlike his many party colleagues.
His detractors say that the party lost its connection with the public during Digvijaya’s rule from 1993 to 2003. “Digvijaya Singh’s revival in MP might backfire and undo all the hard work the party has done to corner the Shivraj Chouhan government on bijli, sadak and pani issues,” a Congress leader wishing anonymity said.
Digvijaya’s return to active politics is definitely going to make things tough for Jyotiraditya. For CM Shivraj, taking on the Congress, plus an active Digvijaya Singh, means it won’t be a cakewalk in these elections.
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