BJP Calls Narottam Mishra to Bhopal After Violent Protests Over Ticket Snub in Datia

A day after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) selected debutant Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate for the Datia Assembly by-election, former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra arrived in Bhopal. The state BJP leadership, in damage control mode following massive protests by Mishra's supporters, summoned him to the capital even as senior leaders ruled out changing the candidate.

Mishra urged his supporters to remain calm and said he would convince them to campaign for the party's choice. A BJP source confirmed that Mishra was called by state unit general secretary (organisation) Hitanand Sharma.

Protests erupted on Friday after the BJP announced Tiwari as its candidate for the July 30 bypoll. The demonstrations turned violent overnight, with hundreds of Mishra's supporters blocking National Highway-44, clashing with police, and resorting to stone-pelting and vandalism. The blockade lasted over 10 hours and was cleared only early Saturday. Additionally, scores of BJP functionaries, from booth to district level, resigned in protest.

The unrest highlights Mishra's stronghold over the BJP organization in his home turf of Datia, as well as his supporters' anger over losing an opportunity for his political comeback. Mishra served as Home Minister from 2020 to 2023 and had built his influence over decades.

Speaking to reporters in Bhopal, Mishra said, 'I am not upset with anyone and will meet everyone. Whoever asks me to, I will meet them. We will convince our workers and they will understand.'

Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya told reporters in Indore, 'Once a candidate is declared, there has never been a tradition in the BJP of changing the ticket. I don't think the candidate will be changed.' Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda said everyone will abide by the party's decision and 'no situation will arise that could adversely affect the organisation.'