Bhopal: Violent protests erupted in Madhya Pradesh after the BJP denied a ticket to former state Home Minister Narottam Mishra for the Datia Assembly by-election, with thousands of his supporters blocking a busy national highway for nearly 12 hours, pelting police with stones and damaging several vehicles.
The unrest began after the BJP fielded Ashutosh Tiwari instead of Mishra, triggering outrage among the former minister's supporters. More than 3,000 protesters reportedly took part in the highway blockade, while also attempting to shut down local markets. They declared that the agitation would continue until Mishra was given the party ticket and even threatened to quit the BJP if their demand was ignored.
As the situation spiralled out of control, police fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. Authorities said Datia Superintendent of Police Mayur Khandelwal, several senior officers and more than six police personnel were injured in the stone-pelting.
Mishra had lost the Datia seat by more than 7,500 votes to Congress candidate Rajendra Bharti in the 2023 Madhya Pradesh Assembly election while serving as the state's Home Minister. However, the by-election became necessary after Bharti was disqualified as an MLA following a three-year prison sentence in a cheating case awarded by a Delhi court in April. Although Bharti later secured bail, the vacancy led to the bypoll announcement.
Party sources said Mishra had expected to be renominated and had even purchased nomination papers. Despite repeated talks led by Datia District Collector Swapnil Wankhede, protesters refused to withdraw, prompting police action after violence broke out. Police said some people had been arrested and warned of strict action against further law violations.
The Election Commission has announced by-elections for three Assembly constituencies, including Datia. Polling in Datia is scheduled for July 30, while counting will take place on August 3.