'Highway blocked, stones pelted, cops injured': BJP faces open revolt in Madhya Pradesh over Narottam Mishra ticket snub

More than 3,000 supporters of Mishra took to the streets on Friday and Saturday, blocking National Highway-44 for nearly 12 hours and pelting stones at police after the BJP named Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate for the by-election.

Police Personnel Injured During Violent Protests

The protests turned violent, leaving Datia Superintendent of Police and several other police personnel injured.

Police later resorted to firing tear gas shells to disperse the protesters, several of whom were detained.

Why the Datia Bypoll Was Called

The by-election was necessitated after the Datia Assembly seat fell vacant following the disqualification of Congress leader Rajendra Bharti as an MLA.

Bharti was sentenced to three years' imprisonment in a cheating case, leading to his disqualification. He was later granted bail.

Bharti had defeated Narottam Mishra, a six-time MLA, in the 2023 Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections.

Resignations Deepen BJP's Troubles

The BJP's decision to field Ashutosh Tiwari instead of Mishra has sparked widespread resentment within the party.

Mishra's supporters have vowed to continue their agitation until he is reinstated as the BJP candidate. They have also warned that they are prepared to quit the party if their demand is ignored, Hindustan Times reported.

Adding to the party's woes, Datia BJP district president Raghuveer Singh Kushwah and all district office-bearers have submitted their collective resignation to state BJP chief Hemant Khandelwal, India Today reported.

The leaders alleged that the decision to nominate Tiwari was taken unilaterally without consulting local party workers and warned that the protests would intensify if Mishra is not fielded from the constituency.