The bypoll has already emerged as one of the most closely watched political contests in Madhya Pradesh. While political parties are busy finalising their campaign plans and candidate strategies, uncertainty continues to surround Bharti's eligibility to contest the election.

The Datia seat fell vacant after Bharti's disqualification following his conviction in a case linked to alleged irregularities in a cooperative bank matter. After the conviction led to the loss of his Assembly membership, the Election Commission announced the by-election schedule, setting the stage for a politically significant contest in the Gwalior-Chambal region.

According to the election schedule, the process is already underway and the last date for filing nominations is drawing near. That has increased the urgency around Bharti's legal battle.

Sources familiar with the matter said Bharti has approached the Delhi High Court seeking relief against the conviction that resulted in his disqualification. The outcome of that petition is expected to play a crucial role in determining whether he can enter the electoral fray once again.

For the Congress, the situation presents both a challenge and a strategic dilemma.

Party leaders in the region have continued political preparations while awaiting clarity from the court. If Bharti receives relief before the nomination process concludes, the Congress could back him as its candidate. However, if the legal proceedings do not move in his favour within the available timeframe, the party may have to quickly identify an alternative face for the contest.

The uncertainty has also created intense political activity in Datia, where local workers from both major parties have begun mobilising supporters.

The Bharatiya Janata Party is treating the bypoll as an important electoral battle. Political observers believe the contest carries significance beyond a single Assembly constituency because it could offer an indication of voter sentiment ahead of future political contests in the state.

Datia has traditionally attracted attention due to its political importance in the Gwalior-Chambal belt. Any change in the electoral dynamics of the constituency is closely watched by both the BJP and the Congress.

Bharti has previously questioned the timing of the by-election and raised concerns over the circumstances under which the seat was declared vacant. Those arguments have become part of the broader political discussion surrounding the bypoll, though the legal proceedings remain separate from the electoral process.

Meanwhile, election officials are continuing preparations according to the announced schedule. Authorities have not indicated any change in the programme and all procedural activities are moving forward as planned.

Political analysts say every passing day is becoming increasingly important for Bharti because electoral timelines leave little room for delay. Even a favourable court order would need to come before key deadlines to have a practical impact on candidate selection and campaign planning.

For now, the focus remains firmly on the Delhi High Court, where the next developments could reshape the contest before nominations close. Until that clarity emerges, speculation is likely to continue in Datia's political circles, with both supporters and rivals closely monitoring the legal proceedings.

The by-election campaign has not fully gathered momentum yet, but the uncertainty surrounding Rajendra Bharti has already become one of the defining stories of the contest.