Over 3,000 supporters of senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former minister Narottam Mishra clashed with police in Datia district on Saturday after he was denied a ticket for the upcoming Madhya Pradesh bypoll. The protesters blocked a major highway, resulting in injuries to the Datia superintendent of police and several other officers before security forces cleared the area and arrested some agitators.
Violent protest over ticket denial
According to officials, the demonstration turned violent when Mishra's supporters, angered by the party's decision to field another candidate, took to the streets and obstructed traffic on the national highway. The crowd, estimated at around 3,000 people, pelted stones at police personnel, leading to injuries among the officers. The Datia SP was among those hurt, though his condition is reported to be stable. Additional forces were deployed to disperse the crowd and restore order.
“The situation is now under control. Several individuals have been detained for questioning,” a senior police officer said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The highway was reopened after a few hours, but tensions remain high in the area.
Background of the bypoll
The bypoll in Madhya Pradesh was necessitated after the sitting MLA from the Datia constituency resigned. The BJP had initially considered Mishra, a prominent leader with a strong base in the region, but ultimately chose a different candidate, sparking outrage among his loyalists. Mishra himself has not publicly commented on the incident, but party insiders indicate that he is disappointed with the decision.
“Narottam Mishra has been a loyal party worker for decades. Denying him a ticket at this stage is a betrayal,” said a supporter who participated in the protest. The opposition Congress has criticized the BJP for internal mismanagement, claiming that the incident reflects growing unrest within the ruling party.
Police action and aftermath
Security forces used mild force to disperse the crowd, and at least 50 people were taken into custody for unlawful assembly and assault on public servants. The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. Meanwhile, the district administration has issued a warning against any further attempts to disrupt public order.
The bypoll is scheduled to be held later this month, and the BJP is keen to retain the seat. However, the clash has raised concerns about potential violence during the campaign. Political analysts suggest that the ticket snub could lead to a factional feud within the local BJP unit, affecting the party's prospects in the election.
