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.

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.

The unrest began after the Bharatiya Janata Party announced Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate for the Datia bypoll, replacing Mishra, who had represented the constituency for three consecutive terms before losing the 2023 Assembly election. The decision triggered strong reactions from party workers and supporters, with demonstrations breaking out across Datia.

Addressing supporters amid the controversy, Mishra said the BJP's decision should be accepted and urged workers not to create unnecessary tension. He stressed that candidate selection is the party's prerogative and appealed to everyone to remain disciplined.

"It is the party's decision. There should not be such a commotion over it," Mishra said while requesting supporters to maintain calm and avoid actions that could harm the organisation.

Despite the emotional response from supporters, Mishra indicated that he would continue to work for the BJP and later signalled that he would actively participate in campaigning for the party's official candidate in the Datia by-election.

The protests, however, turned volatile on Friday. Supporters blocked the Gwalior-Jhansi National Highway, leading to massive traffic disruption. Police were forced to intervene after stone-pelting was reported during the demonstrations. Authorities used tear gas to disperse the crowd and restore normalcy. Senior police officials were also caught in the unrest while trying to control the situation.

The political fallout extended beyond street protests. Reports indicated that several local BJP functionaries expressed dissatisfaction over the ticket distribution, with resignations from sections of the district organisation adding to the pressure on the party leadership.

The Datia Assembly seat became vacant after Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti lost his membership following his conviction in a bank fraud case, paving the way for the by-election. Bharti had defeated Narottam Mishra in the 2023 Assembly election, ending the BJP veteran's long winning streak from the constituency.

Datia is considered one of the most politically significant constituencies in Madhya Pradesh. Mishra has remained one of the BJP's most prominent leaders in the state, having served as Home Minister and held several key portfolios in previous governments. His exclusion from the bypoll has therefore attracted attention well beyond the constituency, with political observers viewing the development as an important organisational decision ahead of future electoral battles.

The Election Commission has scheduled polling for the Datia Assembly by-election later this month, with nomination filing currently underway. As campaigning gathers pace, the BJP leadership will be looking to contain internal dissatisfaction while presenting a united front in what has emerged as one of the state's closely watched electoral contests.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is facing an internal crisis in Madhya Pradesh's Datia Assembly by-election after supporters of former Home Minister Dr. Narottam Mishra staged violent protests over the party's decision to field Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate. The unrest left the Superintendent of Police (SP), an SDOP and at least eight police personnel injured, prompting authorities to impose Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) across the district.

The protest began on Friday evening and intensified in the early hours of Saturday, disrupting normal life and bringing traffic to a standstill on the Gwalior-Jhansi National Highway.

Highway Blockade Turns Violent

Hundreds of BJP workers and supporters gathered on the highway, resulting in a traffic jam stretching nearly 15 to 20 kilometres. Police said clashes broke out around 4:30 am when protesters allegedly resorted to stone-pelting after being asked to disperse.

Security forces used tear gas shells to control the crowd. Several vehicles, including police vehicles, were damaged, while a police vehicle was reportedly overturned. Authorities also said attempts were made to set a vehicle on fire.

According to the district administration, the blockade continued from around 5:30 pm on Friday until approximately 5:00 am on Saturday, causing major inconvenience to commuters.

Section 163 Enforced Across Datia

In response to the violence, the Datia administration imposed Section 163 of the BNSS throughout the district. The prohibitory orders ban public gatherings of five or more people, rallies, processions, demonstrations and public meetings without prior permission.

Heavy police deployment has been made at sensitive locations, and additional forces have been requisitioned from the Police Headquarters (PHQ). Security checks have also been intensified on routes leading into Datia.

District Collector Swapnil Wankhede said the administration would not allow another highway blockade and warned of strict legal action against anyone violating the prohibitory orders.

BJP Workers Continue Protest

More than 500 BJP workers reportedly participated in the overnight protest, with women supporters also joining demonstrations by sitting and lying on roads. Around 250 workers were kept inside the BJP office in Datia as a preventive measure amid fears of further escalation.

Several district BJP leaders, including district president Raghuveer Saran, city office-bearers and the party treasurer, resigned in protest over the denial of a ticket to Narottam Mishra. Supporters have also claimed that multiple BJP councillors submitted their resignations.

Narottam Appeals for Calm

Despite the widespread protests, Dr. Narottam Mishra urged party workers to maintain discipline and respect the BJP's organisational structure. He appealed to supporters not to resort to violence or extreme forms of protest and said disagreements should be expressed through the party's internal forums.

Later on Saturday, Mishra left Datia for Bhopal along with his wife.

Party Leadership Backs Ashutosh Tiwari

Senior BJP leaders have publicly backed the party's decision to nominate Ashutosh Tiwari.

Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said the BJP selects candidates only after careful consideration and expressed confidence that Tiwari would register a comfortable victory in the by-election.

Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda also reiterated that the organisation's decision is final and should be accepted by all party workers. BJP in-charge Abhay Pratap Singh Yadav reached Datia to hold discussions with disgruntled workers and said the situation would soon return to normal.

Ashutosh Tiwari, meanwhile, described Dr. Narottam Mishra as his "guardian" and said he would fulfil the responsibility entrusted to him by the party with complete dedication.

Political Activity Intensifies

The political atmosphere in Datia remains tense ahead of the July 30 Assembly bypoll. Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) chief and Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad is scheduled to address a public rally in support of party candidate Damodar Yadav.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh questioned the police action against BJP workers and urged authorities to identify and act against those responsible for instigating the violence.

With Section 163 in force and security tightened across the district, the administration has appealed to the public to maintain peace as election campaigning continues.

The Datia district administration has imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, across the entire Datia subdivision following violent protests over the BJP's candidate selection for the upcoming assembly bypoll. The prohibitory orders came into effect at 9 pm on July 10 and will remain in force until further notice.

The decision follows large-scale demonstrations triggered by the BJP's decision to field Ashutosh Tiwari instead of former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Dr. Narottam Mishra for the Datia Assembly by-election. The protests escalated into a prolonged blockade on the Gwalior-Jhansi National Highway, leading to traffic disruption, stone-pelting and damage to several vehicles.

Restrictions Under Section 163

Under the new orders issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), no public meetings, rallies, processions, demonstrations or protests can be organised without prior permission from the administration.

The order also prohibits gatherings of more than five people at one place without official approval. Carrying weapons such as sticks, swords, spears, axes, knives or other dangerous objects in public has also been banned.

Authorities have further restricted the use of loudspeakers, public address systems and other sound-amplifying devices without permission.

Monitoring Social Media and Public Messaging

The administration has warned against circulating any content through social media, posters, banners, slogans or speeches that could disturb communal harmony or affect law and order during the election period.

Officials said strict monitoring will be carried out to ensure compliance with the Election Commission's guidelines as well as to maintain peace throughout the bypoll campaign.

Residents have been urged not to believe rumours and to rely only on official information issued by the administration.

Action After Highway Blockade

The administration cited the 15–20 kilometre traffic jam on the Jhansi-Gwalior National Highway during the protests on the night of July 10 as one of the key reasons for imposing the restrictions.

According to officials, the blockade caused severe inconvenience to commuters, while incidents of stone-pelting and vandalism were also reported.

The prohibitory orders are intended to prevent a recurrence of such incidents during the election period.

Additional Laws to Be Enforced

Besides Section 163 of the BNSS, authorities said provisions of the Model Code of Conduct, the Madhya Pradesh Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1994, the Madhya Pradesh Noise Control Act, 1985, and the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 will also be enforced strictly.

The restrictions, however, will not apply to police personnel, Home Guards, CRPF, other central armed police forces, or government and judicial officials performing official duties.

Administration Warns of Strict Action

District Collector Swapnil Wankhede said ensuring a peaceful, free and transparent Datia Assembly by-election remains the administration's highest priority.

He warned that anyone violating the prohibitory orders would face legal action under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Additional police forces have already been deployed, and surveillance has been intensified in sensitive areas to maintain law and order.

With Section 163 now in force, political activity in Datia is expected to continue under heightened security as campaigning for the July 30 bypoll gathers momentum.

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.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate for the Datia Assembly by-election, ending speculation over the party's nominee. The decision comes after the Delhi High Court refused to stay the conviction of former Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti, prompting the BJP to release its candidate list on Friday.

Ashutosh Tiwari had earlier sought a BJP ticket from the Sevda Assembly constituency in the 2023 Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections but was overlooked in favour of Pradeep Agrawal. Tiwari has served as the BJP's Divisional Organisation Minister and was also the Chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Housing Board, holding the rank of a Cabinet Minister.

Narottam Mishra's Preparations Fall Short

The announcement came as a surprise since former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Dr. Narottam Mishra had already begun campaigning after the by-election was announced. He had addressed multiple public meetings and had even purchased his nomination form earlier this week, leading to widespread speculation that he would be the BJP's candidate.

Despite these preparations, the party leadership chose Ashutosh Tiwari instead. So far, 13 candidates have purchased nomination forms, while four have already filed their nominations.

Mishra Had Purchased Nomination Form

Dr. Narottam Mishra, a senior BJP leader and former state Home Minister, purchased his nomination papers on Wednesday and was expected to file his nomination on Friday. However, before the filing process could begin, the BJP's central leadership officially announced Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate.

Rajendra Bharti's Legal Challenge Rejected

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court dismissed the petition of former Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti on Friday. Earlier, Bharti had stated that if the Congress chose not to field a member of his family, he would fully support whichever candidate the party nominated for the by-election.

Narottam Mishra Had Sought Public Forgiveness

Following the announcement of the by-election, Dr. Narottam Mishra had actively campaigned across the constituency and even publicly acknowledged past mistakes.

At his first public meeting near Chhote Fubbare on Thandi Road, Mishra appealed to voters for forgiveness, saying he had reflected on his past conduct and had changed his approach. He assured residents that they would always be welcomed and respected whenever they visited him.

During another rally at Rawatpura College, Mishra rejected the Congress' allegation of a ₹70-crore political deal, remarking that the BJP does not accept "discarded material." He also challenged Congress leaders to identify the alleged aide of a Union Minister they had referred to in their accusations.

Election Campaign Gains Momentum

With the BJP officially naming Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate, the campaign for the Datia Assembly by-election has intensified. The BJP, Congress, and Azad Samaj Party have all stepped up their outreach efforts as the constituency heads toward polling.

Upper House elections scheduled for June 18; list sent to central high command for final decision

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has finalized its internal panel of potential candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections from Madhya Pradesh. The state unit dispatched the scrutinized list to the party's central leadership in New Delhi, setting off intense lobbying among top state leaders for the Upper House berths.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the high-profile list features cabinet minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, former ministers Narottam Mishra and Arvind Bhadouriya, alongside tribal leader Ranjana Baghel. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has also thrown its weight behind distinct faces, reportedly pitching Deendayal Research Institute president Abhay Mahajan and Jhabua-based tribal organizer Mahesh Sharma for the seats.

High-Profile Contenders in the Fray

The biennial elections, scheduled for June 18, will fill three Rajya Sabha vacancies emerging from the state. Two of these seats are currently held by the BJP’s Union Minister of State George Kurien and Dr. Sumer Singh Solanki. The third seat is being vacated by veteran Congress leader and former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh, who has already indicated his exit from the Upper House.

The inclusion of Kailash Vijayvargiya has raised eyebrows in state political circles. Insiders suggest that the seven-time MLA and current state minister has conveyed his inclination to shift back to national politics. Having earlier served as the party’s national general secretary and handled critical poll states like West Bengal, Vijayvargiya's return to the Delhi circuit remains a strong possibility.

Similarly, former Home Minister Narottam Mishra, known for his deep ties with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and strong legislative acumen, remains a frontrunner. Mishra, a prominent Brahmin face who has represented Dabra and Datia six times, holds significant sway in the state’s political landscape despite his setback in the previous assembly polls.

Social Engineering Under Discussion

A senior state BJP leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that the party's strategic thinkers are looking closely at a 'general category' or upper-caste candidate this time around to balance regional equations.

However, the submitted list reflects a careful balancing act across different communities. From the Scheduled Caste category, the name of Lal Singh Arya, national president of the BJP SC Morcha and a three-time legislator from Bhind's Gohad seat, has been sent to Delhi.

The tribal representation in the panel is equally robust. Former minister Ranjana Baghel, a three-time MLA from Dhar's Manawar, represents a strong women's and tribal face. Additionally, the party is reviewing the profile of GS Damor, a former chief engineer who previously defeated Congress heavyweight Kantilal Bhuria’s son in Jhabua before winning a Lok Sabha seat in 2019.

BJP Treads Cautiously on Third Seat

Though the BJP holds a massive majority in the 230-member state assembly, party strategists have reportedly advised against forcing a contest for the third Rajya Sabha seat, which mathematically belongs to the Congress.

"Initial reports indicate that the central leadership has advised state functionaries to refrain from making premature statements regarding the third seat," a party insider revealed.

The arithmetic explains the caution. To secure a clear win for a single Rajya Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh, a candidate requires 58 first-preference votes. With 165 MLAs, the BJP can comfortably claim two seats, utilizing 116 votes and leaving a surplus of 49. Meanwhile, the Congress possesses 64 MLAs on paper, well clear of the 58-vote benchmark required to secure their single seat.

Shift in Legislative Arithmetic

While speculations of cross-voting often dominate Rajya Sabha polls, the current state leadership is content with retaining its two definitive seats rather than indulging in speculative political maneuvering. While the support of certain disgruntled elements or independent-minded legislators remains a talking point, the party's primary focus remains on selecting the right faces for its assured quota.

The final announcement from the BJP's Central Election Committee is expected within the next three to four days, as the formal nomination process begins on June 1.