Datia bypoll: Narottam back BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari
The campaign for the Datia Assembly by-election gathered momentum on Monday as the BJP and Congress put up a show of strength during the filing of nominations by their candidates, while emotional appeals and sharp political exchanges dominated the day’s events.
Former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra turned emotional while addressing a BJP public meeting, dismissing the Opposition’s claims of divisions within the party. His voice choked with emotion as he pledged to campaign tirelessly for BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari. “Congress says there is a rift in the BJP. Look around, we are all standing together. I will bow before every household in Datia to ensure Ashutosh Tiwari’s victory,” Mishra said.
CM Mohan Yadav sought to reinforce the message of unity, saying, “Narottam, we are entrusting our younger brother Ashutosh Tiwari to you. It is now your responsibility to ensure his victory.” Taking a swipe at the Congress candidate, Mishra described Ghanshyam Singh, popularly known as Raja Saheb, as “an expired homoeopathy pill that may be sweet but has no effect.” He also contrasted the two candidates, saying one was born into privilege while the other had dedicated his life to public service from a young age.
Earlier in the day, Congress nominee Ghanshyam Singh filed his nomination in the presence of Pradesh Congress Committee president Jitu Patwari, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar, former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh, former MLA Rajendra Bharti and Samajwadi Party State president Manoj Yadav. Later, BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari submitted his nomination papers accompanied by CM Mohan Yadav, BJP State president Hemant Khandelwal, Narottam Mishra and other leaders. Nayak expressed disappointment over being denied the party ticket despite assurances after the 2023 Assembly elections. He alleged that the state leadership had repeatedly overlooked him and said all political options remained open. Nayak claimed that during a recent meeting, Digvijaya Singh had acknowledged positive feedback about him but expressed concerns over his past association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and his proximity to BJP MP VD Sharma. “I have no issue with Congress candidate Ghanshyam Singh, but the state leadership has treated me unfairly. Ashutosh Tiwari is like my younger brother. I am still considering my future course of action,” he said.
Addressing the Congress gathering, Digvijaya publicly apologised to Nayak, acknowledging that he had opposed Nayak’s candidature in 2023 because he had only recently joined the Congress from the BJP. He praised Nayak’s commitment during the previous Assembly election campaign and apologised if his actions had caused any hurt.
