BJP rebellion erupts in Datia as Narottam Mishra denied bypoll ticket
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is facing an internal crisis in Madhya Pradesh’s Datia after former state Home Minister Narottam Mishra was denied the party ticket for the upcoming Assembly bypoll. The decision triggered massive protests by his supporters, who blocked National Highway-44, forcing authorities to deploy a heavy police force to restore order.
The BJP has instead fielded Ashutosh Tiwari for the by-election, a move that sparked resentment among Mishra’s loyalists, who had expected the veteran leader to contest from the constituency.
Supporters block highway, police step in
Soon after the party announced its candidate, hundreds of supporters gathered on NH-44, staging a road blockade and raising slogans against the BJP leadership. The protest disrupted traffic for several hours, prompting the deployment of police personnel to prevent the situation from escalating.
Reports also indicated tense scenes during the protest, with authorities working to disperse demonstrators and restore normal movement on the highway.
#WATCH | Madhya Pradesh: Supporters of former State Home Minister Narottam Mishra pelted stones at Police in Datia as they protested after the BJP denied him a ticket for the upcoming assembly bypoll. Injuries reported.
Thousands of his followers blocked NH-44 last night,… pic.twitter.com/qI96QlEcpL
— ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) July 11, 2026
Resignations deepen BJP’s troubles
The political fallout extended beyond the street protests, with several BJP leaders and municipal councillors reportedly resigning in protest over the denial of a ticket to Mishra. Party workers accused the leadership of overlooking a senior leader who had represented Datia for years and played a key role in the party’s growth in the region.
The resignations have exposed growing discontent within the party ahead of the crucial bypoll.
Ashutosh Tiwari named BJP candidate
The BJP has nominated Ashutosh Tiwari for the Datia Assembly by-election, replacing Mishra despite widespread speculation that the former minister would return to the electoral fray.
The seat fell vacant after the disqualification of Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti following his conviction in a criminal case, necessitating the bypoll.
Party faces challenge ahead of bypoll
The unrest has added an unexpected challenge for the BJP as it prepares for the Datia by-election. While the party leadership has not publicly commented on the protests, the episode has highlighted internal divisions at a politically significant time.
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