In a dramatic political development that has caught the attention of Madhya Pradesh's political circles, the Indian National Congress on Wednesday expelled senior politician Laxman Singh — a five-time MP and three-time MLA — from the party for a period of six years. The charge? "Anti-party activities."
While the Congress has not offered any detailed explanation, the decision comes after months of growing internal discontent, reflecting the party's efforts to draw a hard line against indiscipline ahead of crucial state-level elections and organizational revamps.
A Political Legacy and a Controversial Exit
Laxman Singh is not just another Congress worker. He carries significant political lineage — he is the younger brother of veteran Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh. With over three decades of political experience, Laxman has held powerful positions and enjoyed electoral success both as an MLA and MP.
His expulsion was confirmed in a statement by Tariq Anwar, member secretary of the Congress' Disciplinary Action Committee:
“Congress president has expelled Laxman Singh, former MLA, Madhya Pradesh, from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress for a period of six years with immediate effect due to his anti-party activities.”
The move is seen by many as a strong message by the high command — that no individual, regardless of legacy or connections, is above party discipline.
No Details, But Speculations Abound
The Congress has not officially disclosed what constituted "anti-party activities." However, sources indicate that Laxman Singh had been openly critical of the party leadership in recent months. He had reportedly questioned organizational strategies and even hinted at the failure of the Congress to adapt to changing ground realities in Madhya Pradesh.
The Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) had earlier submitted a report recommending action against Singh, which led to the involvement of the All India Congress Committee (AICC)'s Disciplinary Action Committee.
While his brother Digvijaya Singh has remained a loyalist to the party despite recent internal challenges, Laxman’s comments and conduct have often stood in stark contrast.
A History of Political Shifts
Laxman Singh’s political journey has been far from linear. First elected as an MLA in 1990, he rose through the ranks to become an MP in 1994 from the Rajgarh constituency. However, in a major switch, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2004 — and even returned to Parliament under their banner.
But in 2013, he rejoined the Congress, which was seen as an attempt to re-align with his family’s political base. His return, however, has been marked by a relatively muted political career and growing tensions with the party’s central and state leadership.
The Bigger Picture: Trouble in the Congress Ranks?
Laxman Singh’s expulsion could be the beginning of more disciplinary actions in the Congress, especially in states like Madhya Pradesh, where the party has suffered from factionalism and internal sabotage in recent years.
The move is also being interpreted as a signal by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and the leadership around Rahul Gandhi to crack down on dissenters — a shift from the earlier, more lenient approach towards senior leaders with legacy value.
This hardening stance may help the party establish tighter control in the short term, but it also risks alienating veterans and sparking further exits — especially at a time when the party is fighting for relevance in several key states.
What’s Next for Laxman Singh?
With this expulsion, speculation is now rife about Laxman Singh’s next political move. Will he return to the BJP, where he still retains some goodwill? Or will he take a break from active politics altogether? Given his experience and name recognition, it's unlikely he will fade away quietly.
His expulsion could also create local-level ripples in the Rajgarh region, where he still holds sway among certain voter segments.
Final Thoughts: A Party Cleansing or A Family Feud?
Laxman Singh's removal from the Congress highlights a growing tension between legacy politics and the new, more centralized functioning of India's oldest political party. While some may view this as a long-overdue cleanup operation, others will see it as yet another sign of internal decay.
Whether this will help rejuvenate the Congress in Madhya Pradesh — or lead to further fragmentation — remains to be seen. What’s clear, though, is that in today’s political landscape, no pedigree guarantees protection, and every move is under scrutiny.
Stay tuned. Indian politics is never short on surprises.