'Not the way': BJP's Narottam Mishra after supporters turn violent over Datia poll ticket pick

Supporters of senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Narottam Mishra unleashed violent protests in Datia, Madhya Pradesh, after the party denied him a ticket for the upcoming assembly bypoll. The unrest saw clashes with police and a significant disruption as protesters blocked National Highway-44 for nearly 11-12 hours.

Mishra, a former Madhya Pradesh home minister, appealed for calm, urging party workers to respect the BJP's decision and voice their differences through internal party channels rather than public demonstrations. "This is the party's decision. But after watching these videos where workers are protesting with petrol and kerosene, I just want to say that you can put forth your point at the party forum. There is a way to do it. This is not the way to express it," Mishra stated.

The situation escalated around 4:30 a.m. when demonstrators allegedly began pelting stones at police personnel who were attempting to reopen the highway. Police responded by deploying tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. Several police vehicles and trucks sustained damage, and one vehicle was overturned. The district administration invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), prohibiting public gatherings without prior permission.

Several police personnel were injured during the violence, including Datia Superintendent of Police Mayur Khandelwal and the sub-divisional police officer. District Collector Swapnil Wankhede also sustained a head injury. Officials reported that more than 3,000 protesters had gathered, attempting to shut markets and block the highway, causing traffic jams that stretched up to 20 kilometers. Many protesters were detained, and authorities warned of strict action if further violence occurred.

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This is the party's decision. But after watching these videos where workers are protesting with petrol and kerosene, I just want to say that you can put forth your point at the party forum. There is a way to do it. This is not the way to express it.