Supporters of senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Narottam Mishra clashed with police and blocked a national highway in Datia, Madhya Pradesh, on Saturday after the party denied him a ticket for the upcoming Assembly bypoll. The unrest erupted after the BJP named former organisational functionary Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate for the Datia Assembly by-election, overlooking Mishra, a six-time MLA and one of the party’s most prominent faces in the state.
Violent Protests Erupt
According to eyewitnesses, hundreds of Mishra’s supporters gathered near the district headquarters, demanding that the party reconsider its decision. The situation escalated when protesters attempted to march towards the party office, leading to a confrontation with police. Officers used batons to disperse the crowd, and several people were reported injured. The demonstrators also blocked the national highway for over two hours, causing traffic disruptions.
“We are shocked by the party’s decision. Narottam Mishra has served the BJP for decades and has been elected six times from Datia. Ignoring his claim is an insult to the people of this constituency,” said a supporter who wished to remain anonymous. Police have registered a case against unidentified protesters for unlawful assembly and obstructing public order.
BJP’s Decision Sparks Controversy
The BJP’s choice of Ashutosh Tiwari, a former district general secretary, came as a surprise to many within the party. Mishra, who has been a key figure in Madhya Pradesh politics, served as a minister in the state government and was widely expected to be renominated. The bypoll was necessitated after the sitting MLA, Rajendra Bharti, resigned following his election to the Lok Sabha.
Political analysts suggest that the party’s decision reflects a strategy to promote newer faces, but it risks alienating a loyal faction. “This is a high-stakes gamble. Mishra has a strong personal following in Datia, and his exclusion could lead to internal dissent,” said Dr. Alok Sharma, a political commentator based in Bhopal. The BJP has not yet issued an official statement on the protests.
Impact on Bypoll Campaign
The bypoll, scheduled for later this month, is crucial for the BJP as it seeks to maintain its dominance in Madhya Pradesh. The Congress party has already announced its candidate, aiming to capitalize on the internal rift. Mishra’s supporters have threatened to campaign against the official candidate, potentially splitting the BJP vote bank.
Meanwhile, Narottam Mishra has remained silent on the issue, though sources close to him indicate he is “disappointed” with the party’s decision. The unrest in Datia highlights the challenges the BJP faces in balancing loyalty and renewal within its ranks.
