In a major pre-result move, the Congress party has suspended former MLA Rajendra Bharti for alleged internal sabotage in the Datia bypoll.

Key Takeaways

  • Former MLA Rajendra Bharti suspended by Congress.
  • Accused of working against party candidate Ghanshyam Singh.
  • Datia bypoll counting scheduled for Monday, August 3.
  • Main contest between BJP's Ashutosh Tiwari and Congress's Ghanshyam Singh.

Datia, Madhya Pradesh: Just hours before the counting of votes for the Datia assembly bypoll, the Congress party has taken a decisive disciplinary action. The party has suspended former MLA Rajendra Bharti, a move that has sent ripples through the political landscape of Madhya Pradesh.

Allegations of Internal Sabotage

The suspension comes following allegations that Bharti was working against the official Congress candidate, Ghanshyam Singh. During the election campaign, Singh had openly voiced concerns regarding internal sabotage within the party, which has now culminated in this strict disciplinary measure.

To provide context, the bypoll was necessitated after Bharti lost his assembly membership following a three-year prison sentence handed down by a Delhi court in a fraud case. This vacancy triggered the current electoral battle.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this move is a strategic attempt by the Congress leadership to demonstrate a 'zero-tolerance' policy against internal dissent. The outcome of the Datia seat will be a significant litmus test for the political momentum of both the BJP and the Congress in the state.

The timing of this suspension, occurring right before the counting, highlights the intense internal friction within the regional Congress unit.

The Electoral Battleground

The main contest is between Ashutosh Tiwari of the BJP and Ghanshyam Singh of the Congress. A total of 21 candidates are contesting the seat. According to District Election Officer Swapnil Wankhede, counting will commence on Monday at 8:00 AM, starting with postal ballots followed by EVM counts. The voter turnout was recorded at 71.44% on July 30.

Did You Know?: In the 2023 Assembly elections, Rajendra Bharti pulled off a major upset by defeating veteran leader Narottam Mishra.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why was Rajendra Bharti suspended?
A: He was suspended on allegations of internal sabotage against the Congress candidate.

Q2: Who are the main contenders in the Datia bypoll?
A: The primary fight is between BJP's Ashutosh Tiwari and Congress's Ghanshyam Singh.