Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh clarified that he has no plans to retire from politics and will continue to support the Congress party. Singh disclosed that he personally asked the Congress leadership not to nominate him for a third term in the Rajya Sabha. Despite this decision, he emphasized that it does not signify his withdrawal from active political engagement.
Addressing a press conference in Bhopal, Singh, a seasoned Congress leader with two terms as a Rajya Sabha member, reiterated his unwavering dedication to the party. He criticized both the state and Central governments for their handling of issues affecting farmers, particularly the failure to secure a Geographical Indication tag for Madhya Pradesh’s basmati rice.
Singh affirmed that abstaining from the Rajya Sabha election does not lessen his commitment to party activities or public service. He affirmed his continuous involvement in state affairs and pledged to advocate for the people and the party tirelessly. The announcement served as a reassurance to party members and supporters who regard him as a significant figure in Madhya Pradesh politics.
During the press conference, Singh’s strong stance on farmers’ concerns and the internal dynamics of the Congress in the state garnered attention. His vocal criticism of the government’s handling of agricultural issues indicates his intention to remain an active opposition voice on crucial developmental matters in the near future.
Singh highlighted that Madhya Pradesh annually produces approximately 2.7 million metric tonnes of basmati rice, benefiting nearly 1,00,000 farmers. He underscored that the absence of the APEDA GI tag has led to a decline in the competitiveness of the state’s basmati rice, once highly sought after in international markets. Singh compared this situation to Pakistan, which has significantly expanded the districts covered under GI tags for its basmati, giving its producers a substantial advantage in global trade. He urged immediate action to safeguard the interests of local farmers and restore the premium status of Madhya Pradesh’s basmati rice.
