Violent Protests Erupt Over BJP Candidate Selection in Datia By-Election

Protests Turn Violent in Datia

Following the announcement of a candidate by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the upcoming by-election in the Datia assembly seat, protests erupted on Friday evening, escalating into violence. Supporters of Narottam Mishra, a former home minister and multiple-term MLA from Datia, expressed their anger over his exclusion from the candidate list by blocking National Highway 44. Clashes occurred between the police and protesters, resulting in injuries to several officers and personnel. The situation led to heightened tensions in the area, prompting the deployment of a significant police presence.

BJP's Candidate Announcement Surprises Many

The BJP has nominated Ashutosh Tiwari, a senior organizational leader, as its candidate for the Datia by-election. This decision surprised political circles and local party workers alike, especially since Mishra had been actively campaigning in the region and his supporters were confident he would receive the nomination. Reports indicated that he had even purchased nomination papers. Following the announcement of Tiwari's candidacy, a large group of Mishra's supporters took to the streets, chanting slogans against the party leadership.

Traffic Disruption and Escalation of Violence

Protesters completely blocked National Highway 44, severely disrupting traffic and causing long queues of vehicles on both sides. According to police, the traffic jam affected surrounding districts and persisted for several hours. Datia's Superintendent of Police, Mayur Khandelwal, reported that over three thousand individuals had been protesting since around six in the evening. The demonstrators attempted to shut down local markets and continued their blockade despite multiple appeals from police and district administration to clear the roads.

Clashes Intensify as Police Respond

The situation deteriorated further when protesters began throwing stones at police who arrived at the scene early in the morning. In response, the police deployed tear gas, but this only intensified the stone-throwing. More than six police personnel, including Superintendent Khandelwal and the Additional Superintendent of Police, sustained injuries and were sent to the hospital. Subsequently, police used tear gas again and forcefully dispersed the protesters. Some individuals were detained, while others were identified for further action. Authorities stated that they are closely monitoring the law and order situation and are working to restore normal traffic conditions.

Allegations Against Police Administration

Bhanu Singh, the district minister of the BJP, has made serious allegations against the police administration. He claimed that party workers had peacefully sung hymns throughout the night, demanding Mishra's nomination, but were met with harsh treatment from the police and administration. Singh accused the authorities of confining workers in their offices and using force without justification. He warned that protests would continue until Mishra is granted a ticket.

Local BJP Leaders Resign in Support of Mishra

In a show of solidarity, some local BJP officials in Datia have resigned from their positions in support of Mishra. Leaders from the party's district unit have issued an ultimatum to the central leadership, stating that if Mishra is not nominated, they will work towards the defeat of the BJP candidate in the by-election. As of now, Mishra has not publicly responded to the situation, which may have caught him off guard. Having started his political career with the BJP's youth wing, Mishra has gradually become one of the party's most influential leaders in the state.

Ashutosh Tiwari's Remarks on the Situation

After being declared the candidate, Ashutosh Tiwari remarked that Mishra is like a guardian to him and expressed confidence that Mishra would support him during the campaign. In the previous assembly elections of 2023, Congress candidate Rajendra Bharti had defeated Mishra. Subsequently, in 2026, a Delhi court sentenced Bharti to three years in prison for fraud, leading to the vacancy of the assembly seat. Voting for this seat is scheduled for July 30, with the counting of votes set for August 3.