Raghogarh

Raghogarh is the big constituency in the state where all eyes would be focussed. It is the constituency of the Chief Minister Digvijay Singh, who is also the scion of the princely state that was a part of Gnu ruled by the Scindias.

Even since Digvijay took over as Chief Minister of the state, the region has undergone a vast change as far as development is concerned. Suddenly road connectivity is among the best in the region and access by roads are the best. Besides roads, power projects and a couple of industrial units have virtually changed the lifestyles of the locals. Important institutions like NFL, Vijaipur, GAIL, Bottling Plant, sugar factory etc have been set up in this constituency with the efforts of Digvijay Singh. Apart from these an engineering college has also been opened in this constituency. Housing colonies for bidi workers have been constructed throughout the state, including Raghogarh.

Always a Congress stronghold the seat has been represented by the Digvijay Singh family or candidates supported by them since 1977. What is surprising is the fact the in all elections after 1977 BJP candidates have lost and lost their deposits with the exception of 1985.  Even during the first assembly elections held in 1952, those who fought against the nominee of royal family had lost their deposit. Such is the clout of the Raja in the region.

In the 1998 assembly Digvijay triumphed by defeating the BJP candidate Chanchal Kumar Jain by over 50,000 votes. Digvijay also represented the assembly segment in 1980 when he defeated Harbir Singh of BJP. In 1985 the seat was won by Mul Singh of Congress while in the year 1985 Digvijay's younger brother Laxman Singh won the seat defeating BJP's Ranchore Das Kasat. Laxman Singh again won the seat in 1993. Digvijay was the member of parliament then.

The BJP is thinking of fielding its mandi president Ramprakash Dhakad and leader Kailash Narayan Suman to contest against Digvijay this time.

Detailed results: 1998