A major political flashpoint has emerged in Madhya Pradesh's Datia ahead of the 30 July Assembly by-election, with protests breaking out after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) replaced former Home Minister Dr. Narottam Mishra with Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate.

The agitation, which began on Friday evening, escalated into violence in the early hours of Saturday, leading to a 15–20 kilometre traffic blockade on the Gwalior–Jhansi National Highway. Police resorted to firing tear gas shells after clashes with protesters, while several vehicles were damaged during stone-pelting.

Eight Police Personnel Injured

According to district officials, eight police personnel, including the Superintendent of Police (SP) and the SDOP of Bhander, sustained injuries during the violence. Some supporters of Dr. Narottam Mishra were also reportedly injured.

Officials said protesters overturned police vehicles, damaged several trucks, smashed the windshield of the SDOP's vehicle, and allegedly attempted to set a police vehicle on fire.

Hundreds of BJP Workers Join Protest

More than 500 BJP workers, including a large number of women, participated in demonstrations against the party's decision. Protesters staged road blockades at multiple locations, including Haripur Tiraha in Dabra, while slogans were raised against BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari.

Supporters from neighbouring districts also reached Datia to participate in the protest, further intensifying the situation.

Leaders Submit Resignations

The political fallout extended beyond street protests. BJP Datia district president Raghuveer Saran and several party office-bearers resigned from their posts in protest against the denial of a ticket to Narottam Mishra.

According to supporters, the BJP's city minister, party treasurer, and several municipal councillors have also tendered their resignations.

Narottam Had Already Begun Campaign

Dr. Narottam Mishra had already launched his election campaign after the bypoll was announced. He had purchased nomination papers, addressed public meetings, and sought public support before the party announced Ashutosh Tiwari as its official candidate.

The BJP declared Tiwari's candidature after legal developments relating to the by-election.

Administration Tightens Security

As the situation deteriorated, authorities deployed additional police personnel across the district and sought reinforcement from the Police Headquarters (PHQ). Security was intensified around the BJP office, where nearly 250 party workers were prevented from leaving as a precautionary measure.

Traffic on the Gwalior–Jhansi route was diverted, while police from Datia and Gwalior jointly managed the movement of vehicles.

District Collector Swapnil Wankhede said the administration had exercised restraint despite the violence but warned that strict action would be taken if law and order was disturbed again.

Markets Shut, Political Activity Intensifies

Several markets in Datia remained closed on Saturday morning as trader associations extended support to the protest. Meanwhile, Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) chief and Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad is scheduled to address a public meeting in support of the party's candidate later in the day.

With campaigning intensifying and political tensions rising, the Datia Assembly by-election has quickly become one of the most closely watched electoral contests in Madhya Pradesh.