Datia (Madhya Pradesh), July 11: Political tensions intensified in Madhya Pradesh’s Datia district after supporters of senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former minister Narottam Mishra staged a massive protest following the party’s decision to field another candidate for the upcoming assembly bypoll.
The demonstration, which began as an expression of anger over the ticket allocation, escalated into a confrontation between protesters and police personnel. Thousands of supporters gathered on the streets, blocked a major national highway, and disrupted normal life in the district before security forces managed to restore traffic movement.
The protest was triggered after the BJP announced Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate for the Datia assembly constituency by-election scheduled for July 30. The decision disappointed a section of party workers who had expected Mishra, a prominent BJP figure in the region, to contest the seat.
Massive Protest Brings Traffic to Standstill
According to officials, more than 3,000 people participated in the protest, leading to a prolonged blockade on National Highway-44. The road remained closed for nearly half a day, affecting movement of vehicles and creating inconvenience for commuters.
Protesters gathered in large numbers and raised slogans demanding reconsideration of the party’s decision. Some supporters reportedly expressed their frustration by staging sit-ins on the highway, while others adopted symbolic forms of protest.
The administration attempted several rounds of discussions with demonstrators, urging them to clear the highway and maintain peace. However, the situation deteriorated when sections of the crowd allegedly refused to withdraw and tensions increased.
Police Face Stone-Pelting During Clash
Datia Collector Swapnil Wankhede said the situation became difficult to control after protesters allegedly started pelting stones at police personnel deployed at the site.
He said security officials initially tried to convince the protesters to end the blockade peacefully, but the crowd became aggressive. Police later used tear gas shells to disperse the gathering and reopen the highway.
The collector clarified that police did not conduct a baton charge and focused on controlling the situation through other measures.
Several police personnel, including senior officers, suffered injuries during the confrontation. Vehicles belonging to police and other departments were also damaged during the unrest.
Datia SP Reviews Law and Order Situation
Datia Superintendent of Police Mayur Khandelwal said the protest affected public movement and created law-and-order challenges in the town.
He stated that demonstrators attempted to shut down market activities and continued the road blockade despite repeated appeals from authorities.
Police officials informed protesters about the implementation of the model code of conduct due to the upcoming by-election and requested them to avoid actions that could disturb public order.
However, after stone-pelting incidents were reported, security forces moved to control the crowd using tear gas.
Some protesters were detained following the violence, and authorities warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found involved in damaging public property or disturbing peace.
Anger Among Local BJP Workers After Candidate Announcement
The BJP’s announcement of Ashutosh Tiwari as its Datia candidate reportedly created disappointment among a section of party workers who were backing Narottam Mishra.
Sources indicated that some local party functionaries, including office-bearers and elected representatives, expressed dissatisfaction over the decision.
Reports suggested that certain leaders resigned from their positions following the announcement, highlighting the internal disappointment within the local BJP unit.
Mishra, who has served as a senior minister in the Madhya Pradesh government, has maintained a strong political presence in Datia for several years. His supporters had expected the party leadership to consider him for the bypoll contest.
Ashutosh Tiwari Expresses Gratitude After Getting Ticket
After receiving the party nomination, Ashutosh Tiwari thanked the BJP leadership and said he would work with all party members to strengthen the organisation.
Tiwari, who belongs to Sevda town in Datia district, has been associated with BJP organisational activities for several years.
Speaking about Narottam Mishra, Tiwari described him as a senior leader and mentor. He said Mishra had assured him of support during the election campaign.
The statement was seen as an attempt to reduce tensions and present unity within the party ahead of the bypoll.
Mishra Supporters Demand Reconsideration
Supporters of Narottam Mishra continued to express their disappointment over the ticket decision.
Some protesters said they would continue their opposition until their demand was addressed. A few supporters even threatened to leave the party if their concerns were ignored.
The protest highlighted the influence Mishra continues to hold among BJP workers in the Datia region.
Political observers believe the challenge for the BJP leadership will be to manage internal dissatisfaction while ensuring unity during the election campaign.
Background of Datia Assembly Seat
The Datia assembly constituency became vacant after Congress leader Rajendra Bharti, who defeated Narottam Mishra in the 2023 Madhya Pradesh assembly elections, was disqualified following a court conviction.
Bharti had defeated Mishra by more than 7,500 votes in the previous election, marking a significant political setback for the former minister.
A Delhi court later sentenced Bharti to three years of imprisonment in a cheating case. Following his conviction, his legislative membership was cancelled, creating the need for a fresh election.
Bharti was subsequently granted bail.
Political Importance of Datia Bypoll
The Datia by-election has gained importance because of the political stature of the constituency and the involvement of senior BJP and Congress leaders.
For the BJP, maintaining control and presenting a united front will be a key challenge after the ticket controversy.
For the opposition, internal differences within the ruling party could become an important campaign issue.
Political analysts believe the outcome of the bypoll may reflect voter sentiment as well as the ability of parties to manage internal competition.
Election Schedule
The Election Commission has announced bypolls for three assembly constituencies across India, including Datia in Madhya Pradesh.
Voting for the Datia seat will take place on July 30, while counting of votes and declaration of results are scheduled for August 3.
As campaigning begins, both the BJP and opposition parties are expected to focus on strengthening their ground-level support and addressing voter concerns.
The immediate challenge for the BJP will be to resolve dissatisfaction among local workers and convert organisational strength into electoral support.
The Datia episode also highlights the growing importance of candidate selection in closely contested assembly constituencies, where internal party unity can play a decisive role in determining electoral outcomes.