The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will organise a collective Hanuman Chalisa recitation across all 90 Assembly constituencies of Chhattisgarh on Tuesday. In Raipur, the main programme is scheduled to take place at Budha Talab at 4 pm, where party workers, students, youth and local residents have been invited to participate in large numbers.

According to AAP, the event is not merely a religious gathering but a collective expression of support for social harmony, ethical values, public service and democratic rights. The party said the programme is also being organised to express solidarity with environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk and raise concerns over the action taken against him.

Support for Sonam Wangchuk

AAP leaders alleged that the action against Sonam Wangchuk is contrary to democratic principles and claimed that peaceful voices are being suppressed. The party said the Hanuman Chalisa recitation is intended to convey a message of peace while highlighting the importance of protecting democratic freedoms.

The party has appealed to citizens across the state to join the programmes being held in their respective Assembly constituencies.

Exam Irregularities Also on Agenda

Apart from expressing support for Wangchuk, AAP said it would also raise concerns over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including NEET and other recruitment tests.

The party alleged that repeated paper leak incidents have adversely affected the future of millions of students and job aspirants across the country. It argued that accountability should be fixed for such incidents and called for reforms to ensure a transparent examination system.

Demand for Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation

AAP has demanded that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan take moral responsibility for the alleged examination irregularities and resign from his post.

The party also urged the government to strengthen safeguards against paper leaks and implement a fair and transparent examination process for students and candidates.

Key Demands Raised by AAP

• Withdrawal of action taken against Sonam Wangchuk and an end to his police detention.
• Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, citing moral responsibility for alleged examination irregularities.
• Implementation of a transparent and fair examination system for students and job aspirants.
• Concrete measures to generate greater employment opportunities for the youth.

AAP said the statewide programme aims to combine public participation with awareness on issues related to democracy, education and employment while encouraging citizens to take part peacefully in the initiative.

The announcement was made during a Janata Dal (United) workers’ felicitation programme held at the Ghoswari block auditorium in Patna district’s Barh subdivision on Sunday. The event was attended by local party leaders, supporters and workers, while Abhishek Singh was also present on the stage alongside his father.

Anant Singh, popularly known as “Chhote Sarkar” in the region, has repeatedly indicated in recent months that he does not intend to contest another Assembly election himself. On Sunday, he gave the clearest indication yet about the future leadership of his political camp.

Addressing party workers, Singh said his son would carry forward the responsibility of representing the constituency. He added that he would continue to remain available whenever the people of Mokama needed him and would stay connected with local issues despite stepping back from electoral politics.

The announcement comes at a significant time for Bihar politics, with political parties already beginning groundwork ahead of the next Assembly election cycle.

Speaking after the event, Abhishek Singh said he intends to spend the coming years working closely with residents and understanding local concerns before formally entering the electoral arena.

He said public acceptance would ultimately determine his political future and stressed that education and healthcare would be among his key priorities if given an opportunity to represent the constituency.

The move marks the latest chapter in the long and often controversial political journey of Anant Singh, one of Bihar’s most recognised regional strongmen-turned-politicians.

Born in Patna district’s Nadwan village, Singh rose to prominence in the 1990s and gradually built a powerful political network across Mokama and the surrounding Barh region. Over the years, he became known for his influence in local politics, his close association with major state leaders and his ability to retain electoral support despite numerous legal and political challenges.

His political rise coincided with a turbulent period in Bihar’s history when caste-based mobilisation, criminal networks and regional power centres played a significant role in shaping electoral outcomes.

Singh first entered the Bihar Assembly on a JD(U) ticket and went on to become one of the most influential political figures in central Bihar. He maintained a strong voter base in Mokama across multiple elections, winning contests under different political circumstances and alliances.

His career, however, has also been marked by legal battles, arrests and high-profile criminal cases that repeatedly placed him at the centre of public debate. Despite those controversies, Singh continued to remain a significant electoral force in the constituency.

The decision to project Abhishek Singh as his successor suggests a deliberate effort to preserve the family’s political influence in the region while preparing for a generational transition.

Political observers note that family succession remains a common feature of Indian politics, particularly in constituencies where individual leaders have built strong personal networks over decades. In such cases, political capital is often transferred to the next generation through sustained public engagement and organisational support.

For JD(U), the development is also noteworthy because Mokama remains an important constituency in the Patna region. The party will be keen to retain its influence there amid changing political equations in Bihar.

Whether Abhishek Singh can replicate his father’s electoral appeal remains to be seen, but Sunday’s announcement has effectively launched his public political journey.

With several years still remaining before the next Assembly election, attention is now likely to shift toward how actively he engages with voters and whether he can establish an independent political identity beyond the legacy of one of Bihar’s most talked-about political figures.

A day before the commencement of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, an all-party meeting convened by the Centre witnessed high political drama on Sunday as leaders of several opposition parties walked out in protest over the presence of rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs. The opposition members, however, returned later to continue discussions after registering their objections.

The meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Parliament House Annexe, was called to seek cooperation from political parties for the smooth functioning of Parliament during the session scheduled from July 20 to August 13. The session will have 19 sittings, during which the government is expected to introduce and discuss several important legislative and policy matters.

Opposition Protests Over Rebel MPs

The protest erupted after the government invited 20 rebel TMC MPs, who recently announced their association with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI). Opposition leaders argued that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has not formally recognised the breakaway group as a separate parliamentary entity, while disqualification petitions against the rebel MPs are still pending.

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra said leaders from the Congress, Samajwadi Party, DMK, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), National Conference, Left parties and Shiv Sena (UBT) jointly walked out to protest the move.

Moitra questioned the legal basis for inviting the rebel MPs, stating that the official records of the Lok Sabha still recognise the TMC with its original parliamentary strength. She also argued that after the 91st Constitutional Amendment, recognition of a separate faction within a political party no longer has constitutional backing.

Government Calls for Cooperation

Before the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju appealed to all parties to ensure the smooth functioning of Parliament.

He said Parliament belongs to every political party and urged members to avoid disruptions, emphasising that meaningful debate would benefit both democracy and the public.

Despite the initial walkout, opposition leaders later returned to participate in the meeting, allowing discussions on the government's legislative agenda and issues expected to dominate the upcoming session.

Recent Political Realignments

The controversy follows significant political developments in recent weeks. On June 15, twenty TMC MPs announced their merger with the NCPI, while on June 22, six Lok Sabha MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena joined the Eknath Shinde faction.

The Lok Sabha Speaker has since allowed both groups to sit separately in the House, a move that has triggered sharp criticism from opposition parties.

Rebel TMC leader Sudip Bandopadhyay attended Sunday's meeting, stating that he was participating as the leader of the NCPI.

Impact on Parliamentary Numbers

The recent defections have strengthened the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Parliament.

In the Lok Sabha, the NDA's strength has increased to 318 members following the support of rebel MPs from the TMC and Shiv Sena factions. However, with the effective strength of the House currently at 540 members, the alliance remains 42 votes short of the 360-member two-thirds majority required to pass constitutional amendment bills.

In the Rajya Sabha, the NDA currently has 152 members, leaving it 11 votes short of the 163-member two-thirds majority.

The strengthened numbers are expected to boost the government's prospects for future legislative initiatives, including proposals related to constitutional amendments, women's reservation and parliamentary delimitation, although the alliance still lacks the numbers required to secure their passage without additional support.

With the Monsoon Session beginning on Monday, both the government and opposition are expected to engage in intense debates over legislative business as well as several political and public issues likely to dominate proceedings.

The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly on Friday rejected the Congress party’s no-confidence motion against the Vishnu Deo Sai government after an extensive 14-hour and 30-minute debate, bringing the five-day Monsoon Session to a close. The motion was defeated by a voice vote, with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) retaining the confidence of the House.

Responding to the motion, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the proposal was not merely against his government but against the mandate given by the people of Chhattisgarh.

“The people have trusted this government, and we are committed to fulfilling that mandate. The BJP will return to power in the next Assembly election with more than 70 seats, while the Congress will remain out of power for the next 25 years,” the Chief Minister said during his reply.

Government Defends Its Record

CM Sai described his government as one committed to public welfare and tribal development, stating that the Congress was uncomfortable with “the son of a tribal farmer becoming Chief Minister.”

He also accused the previous Congress government of corruption, unfulfilled promises and turning the state into an “ATM for Delhi,” while highlighting the BJP government's governance initiatives and welfare measures.

Congress Targets Government on Key Issues

Leading the opposition's attack, former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel accused the BJP government of failing farmers and neglecting public welfare.

Baghel alleged shortages of fertilisers, irregularities in paddy procurement, deteriorating law and order, and shortcomings in welfare schemes, including the Mahtari Vandan Yojana. He also raised concerns over tribal rights, the Hasdeo forest region, PESA implementation, alleged fake fertiliser distribution and the Mahadev betting app case.

Claiming that an “invisible force” was running the government, Baghel accused the administration of taking decisions that were against public interest.

Opposition Raises Environmental and Law-and-Order Concerns

Leader of Opposition Dr Charandas Mahant criticised the government over the proposed mining expansion in the Hasdeo Aranya region.

He alleged that permission for mining over 91 hectares would lead to the felling of nearly 15,000 trees, describing Hasdeo as the “lungs of central India.” Mahant accused the government of prioritising industrial interests over environmental conservation and tribal rights.

He also questioned the government over crimes against women, the Balodabazar violence, unemployment, procurement of paddy, implementation of the PESA Act, alleged corruption in the excise department and issues related to tribal land rights.

During the debate, Mahant submitted a 136-point chargesheet against the Sai government.

Mahtari Vandan Issue Sparks Protest

The House witnessed heated exchanges over the removal of 1.55 lakh beneficiaries from the Mahtari Vandan Yojana.

Congress members protested the government's response and staged a walkout after demanding explanations for the removal of women's names from the beneficiary list.

Separately, Congress MLA Anila Bhediya raised the issue of alleged distribution of imitation mangalsutras during a mass marriage programme. Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade said no complaint had been received from Balod district regarding the matter.

No-Confidence Motion Explained

A no-confidence motion allows the Opposition to question the government's overall performance and place its record under legislative scrutiny. The ruling party, in turn, uses the debate to defend its governance and respond to allegations.

In this case, after the lengthy discussion concluded, the motion was rejected by a voice vote as the ruling BJP retained its majority in the Assembly.

History of No-Confidence Motions in Chhattisgarh

Since the formation of Chhattisgarh in 2000, the Assembly has witnessed 10 no-confidence motions, none of which have succeeded in bringing down a government.

The longest debate on such a motion took place in July 2015, when discussions against the then Raman Singh government continued for 24 hours and 25 minutes.

The previous Congress government led by Bhupesh Baghel also survived no-confidence motions moved by the BJP in 2022 and 2023, both of which were defeated after lengthy debates.

Both parties have begun sharpening their social outreach strategies, signalling that Dalit voters could play a decisive role in determining the electoral outcome in India's most politically significant state. Political observers believe the contest is no longer limited to traditional caste equations, as every major party is attempting to expand its social base ahead of the election.

The BJP is focusing on consolidating its support among Dalits alongside non-Yadav Other Backward Classes (OBCs), a strategy that has contributed to its electoral success in recent years. The party has also undertaken organisational changes in Uttar Pradesh aimed at balancing caste representation within its leadership structure before the election campaign gathers momentum.

On the other hand, the Samajwadi Party is attempting to strengthen its PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) strategy under party chief Akhilesh Yadav. As part of that effort, the SP is planning to field a significantly higher number of Dalit candidates in the 2027 Assembly election, including candidates in several general constituencies, in an effort to broaden its support beyond its traditional Muslim-Yadav voter base.

Political analysts say the contest has become more competitive because the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), which has historically been the principal political force representing Dalit voters in Uttar Pradesh, is facing renewed challenges in retaining its traditional support base. This has encouraged rival parties to step up their outreach to Scheduled Caste communities through organisational changes, public campaigns and candidate selection strategies.

The BJP continues to project governance, welfare schemes and representation of marginalised communities as central themes of its campaign, while the Samajwadi Party is seeking to build a broader social coalition through its PDA narrative. The differing approaches highlight how both parties are attempting to appeal to voters whose support could influence dozens of Assembly constituencies across the state.

Dalit voters account for a substantial share of Uttar Pradesh's electorate and have traditionally played a decisive role in state elections. Their voting pattern has undergone notable changes over the past decade, making them one of the most closely watched electoral groups as political parties recalibrate their strategies.

The Congress has also stepped up its efforts by appointing Dalit leader Rajendra Pal Gautam as its Uttar Pradesh in-charge, while reaffirming support for the PDA political framework in coordination with its alliance strategy. The move reflects the wider competition among political parties to increase their presence among Dalit communities ahead of the election.

Although formal campaigning is yet to begin, organisational restructuring, candidate planning and community outreach programmes indicate that preparations are already well underway.

With the Assembly election expected next year, political observers believe the fight for Dalit votes will remain one of the most significant factors shaping Uttar Pradesh's electoral landscape. As parties continue refining their caste and social equations, the coming months are likely to witness intensified grassroots mobilisation across the state.

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.

Senior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh has stepped away from managing his official social media presence and personal mobile phone ahead of his proposed Ujjain-to-Ayodhya padayatra, saying he will no longer use social media during the campaign.

The announcement comes ahead of Singh's planned foot march, scheduled to begin on October 20, coinciding with Dussehra (Vijayadashami). He has said the yatra will focus on issues related to alleged financial irregularities in donations made to the Ram Temple and will not be conducted under the banner of any political party.

Official X Account Handed to Office

Singh has transferred the management of his official X (formerly Twitter) account to his office staff. His account, previously operating under the handle @digvijaya_28, has now been renamed OfficeofDVS, indicating that future updates will be issued through his office instead of being personally managed by him.

The move is part of his decision to stay away from social media while undertaking the religious march.

Personal Mobile Given to Secretary

The former chief minister has also handed over his personal mobile phone to his secretary, Sachin Vats.

In a Facebook post, Singh announced that he would no longer use his personal mobile number. He said the number would now be operated by his secretary, who would keep him informed about important messages and communications received on the phone.

Padayatra Begins on October 20

Digvijaya Singh had earlier announced that the march would begin on October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti) from the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. However, he later revised the schedule and decided to launch the yatra on October 20, the day of Dussehra this year.

The march will conclude in Ayodhya, where Singh plans to raise questions over the alleged theft of offerings made at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.

'Now I Want to Work for Dharma'

Speaking about his future political role, Singh said he has turned 80 years old and has informed the Congress leadership that younger leaders should now be given opportunities.

He noted that the party had given him multiple opportunities to serve as an MLA, Member of Parliament and Rajya Sabha member, adding that he now wishes to dedicate himself to what he described as the protection of dharma.

He also clarified that he would neither make political statements nor post political content on Facebook or X during the course of the march.

Focus on Donation Transparency

According to Singh, the primary objective of the yatra is to seek transparency regarding donations collected for the Ram Temple. He has claimed that he personally donated ₹1.11 lakh for the temple's construction and has alleged financial irregularities in the management of contributions.

He said he plans to seek legal advice before approaching a court in Ayodhya to demand a complete accounting of the donation funds.

Singh has also invited devotees who contributed to the Ram Temple fund to join the march with their donation receipts.

Kar Sevak to Be Chief Guest

Rather than inviting senior political leaders, Singh said Santosh Dubey, a kar sevak who was injured during the Ayodhya movement after being hit by bullets, would be the chief guest for the yatra.

The Congress veteran maintains that the march is intended to raise issues of accountability and transparency and should not be viewed as a political campaign.

Kejriwal visited Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar, where the activist has been observing an indefinite hunger strike over issues linked to the NEET examination controversy and broader concerns about India's education system. During his visit, the former Delhi Chief Minister praised Wangchuk's commitment to students and called for immediate action from the Centre.

Addressing supporters at the protest site, Kejriwal said the country needs an education system that restores public confidence and protects students' interests. He urged the Union government to remove Dharmendra Pradhan from the Education Ministry and appoint Sonam Wangchuk in his place, arguing that the noted education reformer has consistently worked for meaningful change in the sector.

The AAP leader said repeated examination controversies have shaken the confidence of students and parents across the country. According to him, the government must engage in dialogue with those raising concerns instead of ignoring their demands.

Wangchuk has been on an indefinite fast since late June in support of students protesting alleged examination irregularities. The movement has attracted growing public attention, with several political leaders, activists and members of the film industry extending support over the past few days.

The Delhi High Court has also taken note of Wangchuk's deteriorating health during the prolonged fast. The court directed authorities to monitor his medical condition regularly and intervene if doctors consider it necessary, while allowing the protest to continue within legal and medical safeguards.

Political reactions to Kejriwal's remarks have intensified the debate over the ongoing protest. While the AAP has reiterated its demand for accountability in the education system, the Centre has not officially responded to Kejriwal's proposal regarding the Education Ministry.

The hunger strike has become one of the most closely watched public protests in recent weeks, drawing support from students, education activists and several public personalities. The protesters continue to demand greater transparency in competitive examinations and systemic reforms aimed at preventing paper leaks and restoring trust in recruitment and admission processes.

With Wangchuk's health remaining a matter of concern and political support continuing to grow, attention is now focused on whether the government initiates talks with the protesters or responds to the demands being raised at Jantar Mantar.

Astrologers are closely examining Prime Minister Narendra Modi's horoscope as July 2026 presents complex planetary combinations that could test his leadership across multiple fronts. Vedic astrological analysis reveals a fascinating picture of both challenges and powerful protective yogas.

Scorpio Ascendant and Planetary Strength

According to Vedic astrological analysis, PM Modi's horoscope features an extremely powerful basic structure with Scorpio Ascendant and Scorpio zodiac influence. Mars, the lord of the ascendant, is located in its own sign, giving the native a never-say-die nature, extraordinary struggle ability, a deep tendency to take risks and an amazing ability to lead even in times of fierce crisis. Additionally, exalted Mercury in Virgo provides tremendous strategic thinking, administrative skills and sharp communication capabilities.

Current Planetary Period: Ketu Antardasha and Venus Transit

In June-July 2026, PM Modi is running under the influence of Ketu's Antardasha and Venus's transit in the Mahadasha of Mars. This combination is not considered normal in astrology because while ascendant Mars greatly increases fighting power and decision-making ability on one hand, Ketu suddenly brings big controversies, unexpected events and ideological distance with colleagues.

The Moon Factor: Public Perception Challenges

The most sensitive point of this horoscope is that the Moon is in Scorpio and is degraded. In politics, the Moon is considered the main factor of public opinion and emotional support. Whenever the Moon is adversely influenced, the politician often faces major challenges related to public perception, criticism and image.

Five Key Challenges in July 2026

Astrologers have identified five major pressure points during this period:

1. Education and Examination System: Major administrative issues like NEET and CBSE take big shape, directly affecting youth and their families

2. Inflation Impact: The second house in astrology represents the economy, and due to the low Moon, public perception becomes a major test for the government

3. Global Uncertainty: US-Iran tensions and global uncertainty demand extreme balance and caution at the foreign policy level

4. Opposition Aggression: Fiery Mars in the horoscope makes opponents equally vocal and aggressive

5. Alliance and Administrative Systems: Even the smallest mistake in implementation can lead to big political debate

Powerful Raja Yogas Provide Stability

Despite these challenges, powerful planetary yogas ensure stability. The transit of Jupiter and Saturn in Pisces is fueling religious and cultural matters where the public can take things emotionally. This tension is expected to continue until mid-July.

The Larger Picture

In the last 12 years of Indian politics, there has hardly been a time when PM Modi has faced challenges on so many diverse fronts simultaneously. Questions on the education system, inflation concerns, international tensions, opposition aggression and growing public expectations all converge during this period.What Lies Ahead

Astrologers suggest that PM Modi's horoscope, with its inherent strength and powerful planetary combinations, provides the resilience needed to navigate these challenges. The never-say-die nature indicated by Mars in its own sign suggests that despite temporary difficulties, the leadership will find ways to overcome obstacles and maintain political stability.

At a media briefing in Auckland on Saturday, during the final leg of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three-nation Indo-Pacific tour, a New Zealand journalist asked why Modi doesn't hold press conferences. MEA Secretary (East) Rudrendra Tandon's response has since taken over Indian social media: he called Modi a "quintessential Indian politician," said questioning the Prime Minister's political style "wouldn't be appropriate" for a civil servant, and pointed to Modi's electoral record — a third term in office — as evidence the approach works.

Tandon went further, arguing that India's electorate is "predominantly rural" and prefers direct contact over being "spoken to through intermediaries," calling Modi's use of rallies, social media and similar channels a communication style he has "perfected." He also noted the moment felt like "deja vu," referencing a near-identical exchange in Norway two months earlier, when Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng Svendsen asked Modi directly why he wouldn't take questions from "the freest press in the world" — a question Modi didn't answer before walking away. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal offered a shorter version of the same point separately: "The Prime Minister has his own style of communication."

The "quintessential" remark quickly became the story itself. Clips of the exchange spread across X within hours, with much of the reaction mocking the phrasing rather than engaging with Tandon's underlying argument — a pattern similar to what followed the Norway incident, where Indian broadcasters spent more airtime dissecting the confrontation than the trade agreements Modi's visit was meant to highlight. Word searches for the term "quintessential" reportedly spiked as viewers looked it up.

This marks the third time in two months a foreign journalist has raised the press-conference question with Modi or his officials during an overseas trip — after Norway in May and an incident in Melbourne in early July. Each time, officials have given a version of the same explanation: that Modi communicates differently, and by design.

Supporters of the government have made similar arguments before. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya has said press conferences are no longer the only legitimate channel for public communication, pointing to rallies, public meetings and social media as equally valid.

Critics see it differently. Modi has not held a formal press conference in the decade he's been Prime Minister, relying instead on scripted interviews and platforms like Mann Ki Baat where questions aren't put to him live. India's ranking on Reporters Without Borders' 2026 World Press Freedom Index — 157th out of 180 countries, down six places from the previous year and placed in the "very serious" category — has become a regular reference point in this recurring debate, cited by critics as evidence the pattern goes beyond personal style.

For now, neither the MEA nor the Prime Minister's Office has indicated any change is coming. The pattern from Norway, Melbourne and now Auckland suggests the question — and the answer — may simply resurface again on Modi's next foreign trip.

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.