Narottam Mishra’s supporters clash with police over BJP ticket snub in Datia

Supporters of former Madhya Pradesh minister Narottam Mishra engaged in clashes with police in Datia district on Saturday, protesting the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) decision to deny him a ticket for the upcoming assembly byelection. The situation escalated as over 3,000 protestors blocked National Highway-44 for nearly 12 hours, resulting in injuries to the Datia superintendent of police and several other officers.

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I will pacify the workers, who are upset over the denial of tickets in Datia. I respect the decision taken by the party. I can assure that everyone will work together for the party.

Authorities have registered First Information Reports against over 30 individuals for rioting, vandalism, and attacking government servants. The charges stem from incidents including stone-pelting at police, vandalizing trucks, and obstructing traffic. The FIRs were filed under various sections of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, covering offenses like rioting, vandalism, and assaulting public servants.

The BJP had announced Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate for the Datia byelection on Friday, a move that angered Mishra's supporters. In response, nearly 300 office bearers, from district to panchayat levels, resigned from their posts. However, Mishra himself later accepted the party's decision, stating, "I will pacify the workers, who are upset over the denial of tickets in Datia. I respect the decision taken by the party. I can assure that everyone will work together for the party."

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It has come to my notice that some individuals in Datia have tendered their resignations in the heat of the moment. The organisation has decided that no worker’s resignation will be accepted.

Mishra assured his full support for the BJP's candidate and indicated he would campaign if requested by the party. Following the unrest, a meeting was held at the Madhya Pradesh chief minister's residence to address the situation. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, BJP state president Hemant Khandelwal, and regional organization general secretary Ajay Jamwal discussed the matter with Mishra. Khandelwal later stated that the party would not accept any worker's resignation submitted in the heat of the moment. Meanwhile, the Congress party has nominated Ghanshyam Singh, head of the Datia royal family, as its candidate for the byelection.

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It’s a big responsibility for me as the party has shown trust in me.