Political activity intensified in Madhya Pradesh on Monday as the Datia Assembly by-election entered a crucial phase with both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress filing nomination papers for their candidates amid high-profile campaign events. The day also witnessed a tragic road accident in Morena district that claimed three lives and left five others injured.

Narottam Mishra Turns Emotional at BJP Rally

The BJP's campaign in Datia was marked by an emotional address from former state Home Minister Dr. Narottam Mishra, who became visibly emotional while appealing for votes for party candidate Ashutosh Tiwari.

Rejecting the Congress' claim of divisions within the BJP, Mishra said the party leadership and workers were united. He pledged to personally campaign across the constituency, saying he would "bow before every household" to ensure Tiwari's victory.

Launching a political attack on Congress nominee Ghanshyam Singh, Mishra compared him to "an expired homeopathy medicine—sweet but ineffective."

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, who accompanied the BJP candidate during the nomination process, publicly entrusted Mishra with leading the campaign.

"We are handing over our younger brother Ashutosh Tiwari to you. It is now your responsibility to take him across the finish line," the Chief Minister said while addressing party workers.

Both Candidates File Nominations

Congress candidate Ghanshyam Singh submitted his nomination papers earlier in the day in the presence of Pradesh Congress Committee president Jitu Patwari, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar, former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh, former MLA Rajendra Bharti, Samajwadi Party state president Manoj Yadav, and other senior leaders.

Before filing his nomination, Ghanshyam Singh offered prayers at the Pitambara Peeth temple.

Later in the afternoon, BJP nominee Ashutosh Tiwari filed his nomination accompanied by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, BJP state president Hemant Khandelwal, Dr. Narottam Mishra and senior party leaders.

With nearly two lakh voters expected to participate, the Datia bypoll is emerging as a prestige battle for both major political parties.

Congress Faces Questions Over Avadhesh Nayak

The Congress rally was overshadowed by the absence of ticket aspirant Avadhesh Nayak, triggering speculation about his possible return to the BJP.

Speaking to the media, Nayak alleged that he had been denied a party ticket despite assurances after the 2023 Assembly elections. He claimed the Congress leadership had treated him unfairly and said all political options remained open.

However, when asked about Nayak's possible return, BJP state president Hemant Khandelwal declined to comment.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh publicly apologised to Nayak during the Congress gathering, acknowledging that he had opposed Nayak's candidature in the previous Assembly election but praised his commitment to the party's campaign.

Three Killed in Morena Road Accident

In a separate incident, three people lost their lives after a stone-laden tractor-trolley collided with an auto-rickshaw carrying devotees in Morena district.

The accident occurred near Parasar Ki Tewariya under Mata Basaiya police station limits while the passengers were returning from the Bhoomiya Baba Temple. The collision was so severe that the auto-rickshaw was completely mangled.

Police said eight people were travelling in the vehicle. Three occupants—including the auto driver, one woman and another male passenger—died on the spot, while five others sustained injuries. Three of the injured are reported to be in critical condition and are undergoing treatment at the district hospital.