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.