After BJP denied Narottam Mishra a ticket, his supporters staged a 12‑hour blockade on NH‑44 in Datia, injuring police and officials.

Key Takeaways

  • After BJP denied Narottam Mishra a ticket, his supporters blockaded the highway for 12 hours.
  • Police fired tear gas, resulting in injuries to several officers.
  • The incident has raised questions about the stability of Datia’s political landscape and BJP’s image.

In the context of the Datia by‑poll, former minister Narottam Mishra was denied a BJP ticket for the July 30 Assembly election, sparking intense dissatisfaction among his supporters. Immediately following the decision, more than 3,000 protesters staged a 12‑hour blockade on National Highway 44, effectively halting regional traffic.

Escalation of Protests

According to Collector Swapnil Wankhede, demonstrators threw stones and damaged police vehicles. Tear gas was deployed to disperse the crowd, but the operation left several police officers wounded. Six officers sustained serious injuries, while over ten civilians suffered minor wounds during the confrontation.

Political Fallout and Party Reactions

BJP’s decision to field Ashutosh Tiwari as the Datia candidate was met with backlash from Mishra’s followers, leading to resignations of local party officials. The opposition Congress seized the moment to criticize BJP’s party management and question its electoral strategy.

Future Outlook and Election Timeline

The Election Commission has scheduled voting for July 30, with results to be announced on August 3. Amid ongoing uncertainty, police remain on high alert for any further unrest. If the volatility continues, it could have long‑term repercussions for BJP’s image and electoral prospects in the region.