Narottam Mishra ticket snub triggers violent protest in Madhya Pradesh's Datia

A major protest erupted in Madhya Pradesh's Datia after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) denied former state Home Minister Narottam Mishra a ticket for the upcoming Assembly bypoll, triggering violent clashes between his supporters and the police.

Thousands of supporters blocked National Highway-44 for nearly 12 hours, disrupting traffic and demanding that the BJP reconsider its decision. Protesters allegedly pelted stones at security personnel, leaving the Datia Superintendent of Police and several other police personnel injured during the clashes. Police later used force to clear the highway and detained several protesters.

The unrest followed the BJP's decision to field Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate for the July 30 Datia Assembly bypoll, overlooking Mishra, a senior party leader and former minister. The announcement sparked widespread anger among Mishra's supporters, who accused the party leadership of ignoring a veteran leader.

The protest escalated into violence, with demonstrators clashing with police and disrupting normal life in the district. Heavy police deployment was made to restore order, and authorities eventually cleared the highway after prolonged negotiations and enforcement measures.

The Datia bypoll has become a high-profile political contest following the vacancy of the Assembly seat. The ticket decision has also exposed signs of internal dissent within the BJP's state unit ahead of the election.