The results of the Assembly by-elections in Bihar's Bankipur, Madhya Pradesh's Datia, and Gujarat's Manjalpur have reshaped the political narrative in three states, with Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor heading towards a significant maiden electoral victory, the Congress wresting Datia from the BJP, and the BJP comfortably retaining its stronghold in Manjalpur. (Jagran Josh)

Prashant Kishor Nears Breakthrough in Bankipur

In Bihar's high-profile Bankipur Assembly by-election, Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor established a decisive lead over BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar Sinha, signaling what could become the biggest political breakthrough of his career. After multiple rounds of counting, Kishor maintained a margin of over 16,000 votes, while the RJD candidate remained a distant third. (The Economic Times)

The contest carried added political significance as Bankipur had long been regarded as a BJP bastion. The seat fell vacant after former MLA and Bihar BJP president Nitin Nabin moved to the Rajya Sabha.

Reacting to the trend, Kishor thanked voters and said the constituency would witness visible improvements in the coming months, while emphasizing that public trust would remain his government's priority. (The Economic Times)

Congress Reclaims Datia

In Madhya Pradesh, the Congress registered a major victory in the Datia Assembly by-election, with candidate Ghanshyam Singh defeating BJP nominee Ashutosh Tiwari by more than 6,000 votes after the completion of counting. The result marked a setback for the BJP in one of its traditional strongholds. (Jagran Josh)

The election attracted attention because the BJP had replaced former Home Minister Narottam Mishra with Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate. During counting, Congress also managed to secure a lead even at Mishra's own polling booth, highlighting the shift in local voter sentiment. (Navbharat Times)

The performance of the Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) also drew notice after its candidate secured a sizeable vote share, influencing the electoral arithmetic in the constituency. (Navbharat Times)

BJP Holds Manjalpur Seat

In Gujarat's Manjalpur Assembly constituency, the BJP comfortably retained the seat as Satish Govindbhai Pateldefeated Congress candidate Bhikhabhai Rabari by a margin of more than 30,000 votes. The victory reinforced the party's long-standing dominance in the Vadodara constituency. (The Economic Times)

Following the result, BJP workers celebrated outside the counting centre, while Patel credited voters for reposing faith in the party's development agenda.

Lower Voter Turnout Recorded

Polling for all three by-elections was held on 30 July. Compared with the previous Assembly elections, voter turnout declined across the constituencies.

• Datia (MP): 71.44%

• Manjalpur (Gujarat): 37.05%

• Bankipur (Bihar): 34.3%

The lower turnout contrasted with previous Assembly elections in all three constituencies but did not prevent keen political contests. (The Statesman)

Political Significance

The bypoll outcomes carry different implications for each state. Prashant Kishor's expected victory provides Jan Suraajwith its most significant electoral success and strengthens his position ahead of future political battles in Bihar. Congress' win in Datia offers the party a morale boost in Madhya Pradesh, while the BJP's emphatic victory in Manjalpur underscores its continued electoral dominance in Gujarat. (The Economic Times)

 Polling for the Datia Assembly by-election is progressing peacefully, with 32.53% voter turnout recorded by 11 am on Thursday. Long queues of voters were seen at several polling stations across urban and rural areas as electors turned out in significant numbers to cast their votes.

Voting began at 7 am across 291 polling stations and will continue until 6 pm. A total of 2,20,400 registered voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the bypoll.

Three EVM-Related Technical Issues Resolved Before Polling

Before voting commenced, technical issues were reported at three polling stations during the mandatory mock poll exercise.

According to Collector and District Election Officer Swapnil Wankhede, the issues involved a VVPAT machine at Polling Station 186, a Ballot Unit (BU) at Polling Station 108, and a Control Unit (CU) at Polling Station 290.

All faulty equipment was replaced in the presence of polling agents and under CCTV surveillance before polling officially began, ensuring that voting started on schedule without affecting the election process.

Village Boycott Ends After Administrative Intervention

In Lakhanpur village of Basai area, residents initially boycotted the election, raising the slogan "No Road, No Vote" to demand construction of the village's main approach road.

Following the protest, SDM Ashok Awasthi reached the village and held discussions with residents. After assurances from the administration, nearly 50 villagers agreed to participate in the voting process.

Candidates Express Confidence

After casting his vote, Congress candidate Ghanshyam Singh expressed confidence about the party's prospects, claiming that voters would reject what he described as the BJP's "arrogance." He also alleged that a Congress polling agent was not allowed to enter a polling booth in the Basai area.

Meanwhile, BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari visited the revered Pitambara Peeth Temple before polling began, offering prayers for Datia's development, employment opportunities for youth, and a peaceful district. Later, he visited Polling Station No. 158 to interact with BJP polling agents and claimed the party was receiving strong public support.

Security Tightened Across Constituency

To ensure free and fair polling, extensive security arrangements have been deployed across the constituency.

Additional Superintendent of Police Manjit Singh Chawla inspected several polling stations during the day, while Collector Swapnil Wankhede confirmed that polling was proceeding peacefully and systematically throughout the constituency.

Live Updates During Polling

Several developments were reported during the course of voting:

• Former Home Minister Dr. Narottam Mishra's son Sukarn Mishra cast his vote and appealed to voters to support development-oriented governance.

• BJP filed a complaint with the Election Commission over an allegedly fake social media post claiming the removal of the party's district president, accusing unidentified individuals of attempting to mislead voters.

• Rain overnight left muddy conditions outside a polling station in Badonkala village, causing inconvenience to voters.

• Former BSP candidate Lokendra Netaji claimed that an Independent candidate would only divide votes rather than emerge victorious.

• DIG Sunil Kumar Jain inspected polling stations and reviewed security arrangements.

• Elderly and first-time voters shared positive experiences after exercising their franchise, while polling remained peaceful across sensitive locations.

Background of the Bypoll

The Datia Assembly by-election was necessitated after the membership of Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti was automatically terminated following his conviction and sentence exceeding two years.

The vacancy was declared under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, in line with the Supreme Court's judgment in the Lily Thomas vs Union of India case and Article 191(1)(e) of the Constitution.

Polling is continuing peacefully, with election officials expecting voter turnout to increase during the afternoon hours.

Complaint Reaches EC

The Bharatiya Janata Party has filed a complaint with the Election Commission against Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari over remarks alleging that cash and liquor could be distributed to influence voters in the Datia Assembly bypoll.

BJP Rejects Allegations

The ruling party described the claims as baseless and sought action against Patwari. The complaint adds another layer of confrontation to a campaign already marked by sharp exchanges between senior leaders.

Development Takes Centre Stage

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav held roadshows for BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari and asked voters to support the party on its development record. The Congress has focused on accountability and local dissatisfaction.

Voting Set for July 30

The bypoll has attracted attention because it offers an immediate test of political momentum in Madhya Pradesh. Election authorities have also increased monitoring of cash, liquor and other inducements during the campaign.

Result Carries Wider Signal

Although one constituency cannot determine the statewide mood, the outcome will shape political messaging for both parties. A close result may also influence their strategy for upcoming local and Assembly contests.

An unusual moment during the Datia Assembly by-election campaign has drawn attention after senior BJP leader and former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Dr Narottam Mishra politely declined a ceremonial welcome and instead asked party workers to honour the BJP candidate first.

The incident took place during a campaign in Wards 6 and 7 on Friday evening, where party workers had gathered to welcome Mishra with garlands and tilak as his convoy entered the locality.

Leader Steps Aside for Candidate

As supporters moved forward to garland him, Mishra smiled and stepped back, saying, "Not now... the groom is coming behind me. Garland him instead."

His remark was directed towards BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari, who was following him as part of the election campaign.

Following Mishra's request, party workers shifted their attention to Tiwari and welcomed the candidate with garlands and flowers before the campaign resumed.

Campaign Moment Sparks Discussion

The gesture quickly became a talking point among party workers and local residents. While senior political leaders are typically the first to be honoured during campaign events, Mishra chose to redirect the attention towards the party's official candidate.

Several BJP supporters described the move as a reflection of organisational discipline and an effort to keep the election campaign focused on the candidate rather than senior leaders.

Different Interpretations

The incident has also generated discussion in political circles, with some observers interpreting it as a message that the party's electoral focus should remain on its candidate during the by-election campaign.

Others viewed the gesture as an example of Mishra's political style and humility. However, these remain political interpretations, and Mishra has not issued any formal statement explaining his remarks.

Campaign Intensifies Ahead of Polls

Electioneering has gathered pace in the Datia Assembly by-election, with both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress intensifying door-to-door outreach, public meetings and ward-level campaigns.

As political activity increases, campaign moments involving senior leaders continue to attract public attention alongside the broader contest for the assembly seat.

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 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.

Bharti, who represented the Datia Assembly constituency in Madhya Pradesh, had approached the High Court seeking relief from the conviction and sentence awarded by the lower court. However, after hearing the matter, the court declined to interfere with the earlier judgment and upheld the findings against him.

The case relates to allegations of bank fraud, for which a trial court had previously convicted Bharti and sentenced him to three years of imprisonment. Following the conviction, he faced disqualification from the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly under provisions governing the eligibility of elected representatives.

The High Court's decision is significant because a conviction carrying a sentence of two years or more can result in the disqualification of a legislator under existing legal provisions. Bharti had hoped that relief from the appellate court could strengthen his legal position regarding the consequences arising from the conviction.

Legal experts note that appellate courts generally examine whether there were procedural lapses, errors in the appreciation of evidence or other grounds warranting interference with a lower court's judgment. In this case, the High Court found no reason to overturn the conviction and sentence imposed by the trial court.

The ruling marks another important development in a case that has attracted political attention in Madhya Pradesh due to Bharti’s status as a former legislator. The verdict is also likely to have implications for any future legal remedies he may choose to pursue.

While the High Court has upheld the conviction, Bharti still has the option of approaching the Supreme Court if he wishes to challenge the judgment further. Any such move would depend on the legal strategy adopted by his counsel in the coming days.

The decision comes amid increasing judicial scrutiny of financial fraud and corruption-related cases, with courts consistently emphasising accountability and adherence to banking and financial regulations.

For now, the Delhi High Court’s order ensures that the trial court’s three-year sentence remains in force, dealing a significant blow to the former Congress leader’s efforts to secure relief in the matter.

The nomination process for Assembly by-elections in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Bihar has officially begun after the Election Commission of India (ECI) issued the notification on July 6. The bypolls will be held for Datia (Madhya Pradesh), Manjalpur (Gujarat) and Bankipur (Bihar) Assembly constituencies, with polling scheduled for July 30 if required.

According to the Election Commission, candidates can file their nomination papers until July 13, while scrutiny of nominations will take place on July 14. The last date for withdrawal of candidature has been fixed as July 16. Counting of votes will be conducted on August 3, and the entire election process is scheduled to be completed by August 4.

Bypoll Schedule Announced

The Election Commission has released the following schedule for the three Assembly constituencies:

Notification Issued: July 6, 2026

Last Date for Filing Nominations: July 13, 2026

Scrutiny of Nominations: July 14, 2026

Last Date for Withdrawal of Candidature: July 16, 2026

Polling (if required): July 30, 2026 (7:00 AM to 6:00 PM)

Counting of Votes: August 3, 2026 (from 8:00 AM onwards)

Completion of Election Process: August 4, 2026

Paid Leave for Voters

The Election Commission has directed the concerned state governments to ensure strict compliance with provisions related to paid leave for eligible voters.

Under Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, every employee working in any business establishment, industrial unit, commercial organisation or other institution who is eligible to vote in the by-election must be granted paid leave on polling day without any deduction in wages.

The provision also applies to daily wage earners and casual workers. Employers violating these provisions may face penalties under the law.

The Commission further clarified that voters registered in the concerned Assembly constituencies but working outside their constituency in industrial or commercial establishments will also be entitled to paid leave so they can exercise their franchise.

Dry Days Announced

The Election Commission has also instructed the respective state governments to enforce dry days in accordance with Section 135C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

No sale, distribution or serving of liquor will be permitted in the polling areas during the 48 hours preceding the close of polling. The restriction will also apply in the event of repoll, if required.

Additionally, August 3, the day of vote counting, will also be observed as a dry day in the concerned constituencies.

The Commission has directed state authorities to ensure strict implementation of these statutory provisions to facilitate free, fair and peaceful elections.

The producer of the upcoming film Kala Hiran, Amit Jani, has alleged that he received death threats from Pakistan-based phone numbers, prompting police in Madhya Pradesh's Datia district to register an FIR and launch an investigation. The incident has also alerted security and intelligence agencies due to the nature of the threats and the origin of the calls.

According to the complaint filed by Jani, he was in Datia to offer prayers at the revered Pitambara Peeth temple and was staying at a private hotel when he began receiving threatening WhatsApp calls, audio clips and videos from Pakistan-registered mobile numbers.

Threats Over Film Release

Jani told police that on the night of July 6, at around 1 am, he received audio and video messages from a Pakistani phone number. The following morning, he allegedly received another WhatsApp call from a different Pakistan-based number.

The caller reportedly warned him not to release Kala Hiran, threatening to kill him if the film reached theatres. According to the complaint, the caller claimed that no amount of security would be able to prevent the attack and allegedly threatened to blow him up with explosives.

Videos Allegedly Showed Weapons

The producer also claimed that one of the videos sent to him featured a man identifying himself as Pakistani terrorist Shehzad Bhatti. According to Jani, the individual appeared with sophisticated weapons, including what were claimed to be grenades and rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launchers, while issuing threats linked to the film's release.

Following the incident, Jani approached Datia Kotwali police and submitted a written complaint. Police have registered an FIR and begun examining the WhatsApp calls, messages and video clips to verify their authenticity and trace the source.

Security Agencies Monitoring Case

Officials have initiated a technical investigation into the international numbers used to send the messages. Given the cross-border angle and the serious nature of the threats, intelligence and security agencies have also been informed and are monitoring the developments.

Police have not yet made any official statement confirming the identity of the person behind the messages. Investigators are analysing digital evidence before drawing any conclusions.

Who Is Amit Jani?

Amit Jani, a resident of Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, is the owner of Jani Firefox Media and is known for producing films inspired by real-life and controversial events. His previous projects include Udaipur Files and Karachi to Noida.

His latest film, Kala Hiran, is based on the 1998 blackbuck poaching case that involved actor Salman Khan. The teaser of the film was released on June 20 and has since attracted public attention.

Background of the Blackbuck Case

The blackbuck poaching case dates back to 1998, when Salman Khan and several co-stars were shooting for Hum Saath Saath Hain near Jodhpur. The actor faced multiple criminal cases, including those related to blackbuck hunting and violations of the Arms Act.

In April 2018, a trial court convicted Salman Khan in the blackbuck poaching case and sentenced him to five years in prison before granting him bail. The matter is currently pending before the Rajasthan High Court, with the next hearing scheduled for July 13, 2026.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the latest threat allegations, while the release plans for Kala Hiran remain unchanged as of now.

The Congress intensified its preparations for the upcoming Datia Assembly by-election on Saturday by holding a major workers’ convention, where senior party leaders gathered to discuss electoral strategy and organizational coordination. The meeting, however, began on an unusual note as former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh and Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Jitu Patwari arrived nearly four hours behind the scheduled time.

Despite the delay, party workers welcomed the leaders enthusiastically at the venue, a hotel in Datia, where hundreds of Congress members and local leaders had assembled since the morning. Following their arrival around 2 p.m., Digvijaya Singh and Jitu Patwari interacted with party workers before joining the closed-door deliberations. Local leaders later addressed the gathering, while party workers awaited speeches from the senior leadership.

The convention is being viewed as a crucial exercise ahead of the Datia by-election, with the Congress expected to finalize its electoral strategy and possibly identify its candidate for the prestigious contest. Party insiders believe the discussions are aimed not only at strengthening the campaign but also at resolving internal differences that have surfaced over ticket distribution.

Several prominent Congress leaders have emerged as potential contenders for the bypoll ticket. Former MLA Ghanshyam Singh and former Minister Awadhesh Nayak are among the leading aspirants. At the same time, supporters of former MLA Rajendra Bharti have been demanding that the party consider a member of his family for the nomination. District Congress president Ashok Dangi Bagda and city Congress president Ajay Shukla are also reportedly in the race.

The event also revived memories of the controversy surrounding the 2023 Assembly election ticket. Political circles have long maintained that Awadhesh Nayak’s candidature was dropped at the last moment after Rajendra Bharti secured the party nomination. Addressing party workers, Nayak referred to that episode, saying his ticket had been finalized before being withdrawn under unexpected circumstances. Nevertheless, he asserted that he would fully support whichever candidate the Congress ultimately chooses, stressing that defeating the BJP remains the party’s priority.

Former MLA Ghanshyam Singh also attempted to project unity, stating that he had no personal insistence on contesting the election and would stand by the party’s decision. However, he acknowledged that both Rajendra Bharti’s family and Awadhesh Nayak had legitimate claims for consideration.

While the meeting focused on electoral planning, it also exposed organizational concerns within the party. Senior Congress leader Raju Dangi publicly questioned the strength of the party’s grassroots network by highlighting the low attendance of booth-level presidents at the convention. Addressing the senior leadership from the stage, he remarked that ordinary workers often receive attention only during elections and are ignored for the rest of the political cycle.

Signs of factionalism were also visible outside the conference hall, where some workers wore T-shirts carrying slogans expressing opposition to a local leader, underscoring the internal challenges the Congress faces ahead of the by-election.

Meanwhile, former MLA Rajendra Bharti remained absent from the convention. Party leaders said he is currently in Delhi following a medical procedure and is also awaiting a hearing scheduled for July 8 in connection with an election-related matter before the High Court.

Originally planned for Thursday, the workers’ convention was rescheduled to ensure the participation of senior leaders. Apart from Digvijaya Singh and Jitu Patwari, several other prominent Congress figures were expected to attend, reflecting the importance the party is attaching to the Datia bypoll.

Political observers believe the outcome of the closed-door meeting could determine not only the party’s candidate but also its campaign strategy, as the Congress seeks to present a united front against the BJP in one of Madhya Pradesh’s closely watched electoral contests.

Scattered rains accompanied by strong winds brought some relief from the scorching heat in parts of Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday, even as the state awaits the official arrival of the monsoon in the next couple of days.

Balaghat recorded the highest rainfall of 1.25 inches, followed by Raisen with 0.75 inches. Other districts that saw rainfall included Dhar, Barwani, Khargone, Narmadapuram, Indore, Chhindwara, Jabalpur, Sagar, Seoni, Tikamgarh, and Rajgarh. In many places, the showers were accompanied by thunderstorms, leading to a noticeable drop in daytime temperatures.

Pachmarhi remained the coolest place in the state with a maximum temperature of 30.2 degrees Celsius. Khargone recorded 30.4, Dhar 31, while several other places stayed below the 36-degree mark. However, heat continued to grip parts of the state, with Datia and Sidhi recording the highest temperature of 41.2 degrees Celsius.

Among major cities, Gwalior sizzled at 41 degrees, Jabalpur recorded 35.4, Indore 33.9, Ujjain 34.8, and Bhopal 32.2 degrees Celsius.

The weather department has forecast further pre-monsoon activity. Thunderstorms with rain are likely in 26 districts, including Gwalior, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Shahdol, Anuppur, Dindori, Balaghat, Seoni, Pandhurna, Chhindwara, Narsinghpur, Sagar, Vidisha, Raisen, Betul, Bhopal, Sehore, Harda, Dewas, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Indore, Alirajpur, and Jhabua. Meanwhile, heatwave conditions may persist in Jabalpur, Mandla, Damoh, and Umaria.

Officials said the monsoon is expected to enter the state within the next two days. Normally, it arrives around June 15, but this year the wait has been slightly longer. In the past decade, the earliest entry was on June 9 in 2021, while the latest was June 25 in 2018.

Rainfall deficiency remains a concern. According to data, 48 districts have received 52 per cent less rainfall than normal so far this season. Only a few districts, including Bhopal, Ashoknagar, Agar-Malwa, Guna, Mandsaur, Neemuch, and Sheopur, have recorded above-normal rains. On Monday, Dhar received nearly 2 inches, while Bhopal got 0.75 inches.

The showers on Tuesday brought much-needed respite in several areas, though some regions continue to face dry conditions. Farmers and residents in rain-deficient districts are hoping for a timely and widespread monsoon arrival to ease the pressure on water sources and agriculture.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is closely monitoring the progress of the monsoon trough. Meteorologists said conditions are becoming favourable for its advance into Madhya Pradesh shortly.

In the last 24 hours, the mix of rain and gusty winds also led to minor disruptions in some places, though no major damage has been reported so far. Authorities have advised people to remain cautious during thunderstorms.

As the state stands on the threshold of the monsoon season, officials are keeping a close watch on both rainfall distribution and temperature trends. Further updates on monsoon onset and expected rainfall in the coming days are awaited.

The current weather pattern reflects the typical transition phase seen in June, where pre-monsoon activities often bring temporary relief before the full-fledged rainy season sets in. How the monsoon performs this year will be critical for the state's kharif crops and overall water availability.