BJP Names Ashutosh Tiwari as Candidate for Datia By-Election

The BJP has officially named Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate for the Datia assembly by-election, concluding ongoing speculation about the party's nominee. This decision follows a recent court ruling regarding former Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti. Tiwari, who has held significant positions within the party, was previously overlooked for a ticket in the 2023 elections. The announcement comes amidst active campaigning by other party leaders, particularly Dr. Narottam Mishra, who had been expected to be the candidate. The political landscape in Madhya Pradesh continues to evolve as the by-election approaches.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 10, 2026, 19:41 IST

BJP Finalizes Candidate for Datia Assembly By-Election

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially announced Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate for the upcoming Datia assembly by-election, putting an end to speculation regarding the party's nominee. This decision follows the Delhi High Court's refusal to stay the sentence of former Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti, prompting the BJP to release its list of candidates on Friday. Tiwari had previously sought the BJP ticket for the Sevdha assembly constituency during the 2023 Madhya Pradesh assembly elections but was overlooked in favor of Pradeep Agrawal.

Tiwari has previously served as the divisional organization minister for the BJP and was also the chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Housing Board, holding the status of a cabinet minister. The announcement came as a surprise since former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Dr. Narottam Mishra had already begun campaigning following the by-election announcement. He had addressed several public meetings and even purchased his nomination form earlier this week, leading to speculation that he would be the BJP's candidate.

Despite these preparations, the party leadership opted for Ashutosh Tiwari. So far, 13 candidates have purchased nomination forms, with four having submitted their nominations. Senior BJP leader and former state home minister Dr. Narottam Mishra had bought his nomination papers on Wednesday, expecting to file them on Friday. However, before the nomination filing process commenced, the BJP's central leadership officially declared Ashutosh Tiwari as their candidate.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court dismissed the petition of former Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti on Friday. Bharti had previously stated that he would fully support any candidate chosen by the party, even if Congress did not nominate a family member. Following the by-election announcement, Dr. Narottam Mishra actively campaigned throughout the constituency, even publicly acknowledging his past mistakes.