The Indian National Congress revoked the primary membership of veteran congressman Laxman Singh for six years, effective immediately, citing repeated public criticism of party leadership as anti-party activity.
AICC Disciplinary Action Committee member secretary Tariq Anwar signed the expulsion order after a formal showcause notice was issued on 9 May. Singh failed to provide a satisfactory response to the demand for explanation, prompting the national leadership, led by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, to endorse the decision.
Close aides confirm the action stems from Singh’s outspoken remarks during a condolence event for victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack on 24 April. He labelled Rahul Gandhi and Robert Vadra as “immature” and questioned the Congress’s alliance with Omar Abdullah in Jammu and Kashmir, accusing Abdullah of colluding with terrorists. He publicly challenged the party discipline, stating he would accept removal if that was the outcome.
Singh, 70, is a seasoned political figure, having served as a three-time MLA and five-time MP, alternating between Congress and BJP affiliation since 1990. His re-entry into Congress in 2013 followed a stint with the BJP, reflecting a complex political trajectory.
Senior party members from Madhya Pradesh, including former state president Arun Yadav, expressed discomfort over his public dissent. Arun Yadav remarked that speaking against the party in public was unacceptable. In contrast, BJP state president VD Sharma opined that Singh had merely “shown the mirror” to Congress and that the party’s decision reflected intolerance to internal critique.
Political analysts highlight that the punishment underscores the party’s attempt to tighten discipline ahead of future state and national elections. Sources within Congress say the leadership aims to rein in “maverick” voices to present a more unified front. However, the move has triggered speculation that Singh could be considering a shift in allegiance, following the pattern of other high-profile Congress leaders in Madhya Pradesh.
Within the influential Singh political family of Madhya Pradesh, son Jaivardhan Singh remains an MLA from the Raghogarh constituency, maintaining the family’s stronghold in the region. Analysts note Laxman’s expulsion might generate internal tensions ahead of upcoming electoral battles.
Despite his expulsion, Laxman Singh remains defiant, asserting his comments were intended to correct the party from within, rather than undermine it. The six-year exclusion barring him from party membership will keep him out until mid-2031, absent any presidential reprieve.
He now joins other senior dissidents sidelined by the central leadership during what appears to be a tightening of internal discipline ahead of crucial state polls in Madhya Pradesh and implications for national revival.
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