Celebrating 79 Years of Digvijaya Singh: A Political Journey
Today marks the 79th birthday of Digvijaya Singh, a prominent figure in Indian politics. Known for his approachable demeanor and significant contributions as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Singh's journey from a young municipal leader to a seasoned politician is filled with remarkable achievements. His initiatives in education and health have left a lasting impact on the state. Join us as we delve into the fascinating life of Digvijaya Singh and the legacy he continues to build in Indian politics.
| Feb 28, 2026, 10:26 IST
A Milestone Birthday
Former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh is celebrating his 79th birthday today, February 28. Known for his affable nature, Singh served as the Chief Minister from 1993 to 2003. Even his opponents admire his humility, as he never adopts an aggressive stance against them. However, he remains steadfast and does not back down without ensuring his stance is respected. Let's explore some intriguing aspects of Digvijaya Singh's life on this special occasion.
Early Life and Family Background
Born on February 28, 1947, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Digvijaya Singh hails from the royal family of the Raghogarh princely state. He inherited his political legacy, as his father, Balbhadra Singh, was also a legislator.
Political Career
At just 22 years old, Singh won the Raghogarh Municipal election in 1969, marking the beginning of his political journey. Over the past 54 years, he has navigated numerous ups and downs from Raghogarh to Delhi.
Tenure as Chief Minister
Digvijaya Singh served as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh twice. During his tenure from 1993 to 2003, he implemented significant initiatives aimed at empowering the rural population and the underprivileged. His efforts included the Education Guarantee Scheme, which aimed to ensure universal access to primary education. Additionally, he introduced programs to enhance health services, such as participatory watershed development, health welfare committees, and district poverty alleviation initiatives.
The Legacy of Diggi Raja
Even today, Digvijaya Singh holds considerable influence in Maharashtra's political landscape. He frequently makes headlines in both state and national politics. His pivotal role in state politics is noteworthy; in 1984, then-Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi included young Congress members in his core group. At that time, Singh was a Member of Parliament and attended a dinner party in Delhi with several prominent Congress leaders and journalists.
During this event, an editor struggled to pronounce his name correctly, leading him to refer to Singh as 'Diggi Raja' for convenience. This nickname has since become synonymous with him.