Singh’s statements also come at a politically sensitive moment for him in Madhya Pradesh. His second Rajya Sabha term ends early next year, and a third term appears uncertain amid stiff competition within the state unit. Leaders such as Kamal Nath and Meenakshi Natarajan are seen as frontrunners, while state Congress chief Jitu Patwari and legislature party leader Umang Singhar are considered opposed to Singh’s leadership.

Responding to the controversy, Singh sought to clarify his position, saying he had merely praised organisational discipline. “I have always opposed the RSS and Prime Minister Modi. I remain against the policies of the RSS and Modi ji,” he said, attempting to quell speculation of ideological softening.

As media persons swarmed Singh after the CWC meet and prodded him to speak further, he said, "You have misunderstood. I have only praised the organisation. I have and will always be opposed to the RSS, and prime minister's policies."

Asked further, he said, "Whatever I had to say, I have stated in the CWC."

"We have to strengthen the organisation. Praising the organisation is not bad. In this vast country, if you see my tenure as chief minister and party president, I have functioned with decentralisation," Singh also said.