The appeal came after supporters of the senior BJP leader staged demonstrations in Datia over the party's decision to nominate former organisational leader Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate for the bypoll. The protests turned tense, with National Highway-44 blocked for several hours, clashes reported between protesters and police, and tear gas used to disperse the crowd. Several local BJP office-bearers also resigned, reflecting growing discontent among a section of party workers.

Addressing the controversy, Mishra said the BJP's decision must be respected and urged his supporters not to create further disturbances. He maintained that the party's interests were above personal ambitions and asked workers to remain disciplined during the election campaign. He also made it clear that he would actively participate in campaigning for the BJP's official candidate.

Mishra's remarks marked a noticeable shift from the uncertainty that followed the ticket announcement. Although his exclusion had triggered speculation about internal divisions within the BJP, the veteran leader sought to project unity by reiterating his commitment to the party's decision. According to him, workers should channel their energy into ensuring the BJP's victory rather than expressing dissatisfaction over candidate selection.

The Datia by-election has attracted considerable political attention because of Mishra's long association with the constituency. A six-time MLA and one of the BJP's most prominent leaders in Madhya Pradesh, he represented Datia for three consecutive terms before losing the 2023 Assembly election to Congress leader Rajendra Bharti. The bypoll became necessary after Bharti's disqualification following his conviction in a bank fraud case.

The BJP's decision to field Ashutosh Tiwari instead of Mishra surprised many local workers. Soon after the announcement, angry supporters gathered across Datia, blocked roads, raised slogans against the party leadership and demanded that the ticket be reconsidered. The unrest forced police to intervene to restore normalcy.

Political observers view Mishra's latest statement as an effort to contain the fallout and prevent the internal dispute from affecting the BJP's prospects in the by-election. With the nomination process underway and campaigning expected to intensify, the party appears keen to present a united front despite the initial backlash over ticket distribution.

The Congress has seized on the episode, accusing the BJP of facing growing internal dissatisfaction in Madhya Pradesh. However, BJP leaders insist that organisational discipline will prevail and that all party workers will rally behind the official nominee during the campaign.

The Election Commission has scheduled the Datia Assembly bypoll as part of the current round of by-elections in the state. Nominations are being accepted until July 13, after which scrutiny and the remaining stages of the electoral process will follow according to the notified schedule.