Supporters of former Madhya Pradesh minister Narottam Mishra on Saturday clashed with police personnel in Datia district over the denial of a ticket to the senior BJP leader to participate in the upcoming by-elections. Later in the day, Mishra accepted the party’s decision to nominate Ashutosh Tiwari.
Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has offered Mishra’s nomination from the Datia Assembly. Sena state (UBT) chief Sunil Sharma said that if Mishra accepts the offer, his party chief Uddhav Thackeray will campaign for him in the state.
According to police, more than 3,000 protesters blocked National Highway 44 for about 12 hours, injuring Datia Superintendent of Police and several policemen.
More than 30 people were arrested for rioting, vandalism, and attacking government employees for throwing stones at police, vandalizing trucks, and obstructing traffic.
An FIR has been registered under sections 191 (rioting), 324 (vandalism), 132 (attack, assault or use of criminal force against a government servant), 115 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 285 (traffic disturbance and road obstruction) in the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, Datia SP Mayur Khandelwal said.
The BJP on Friday announced Tiwari’s candidacy for the Assembly scheduled for July 30, angering Mishra’s supporters. Nearly 300 office bearers from district to panchayat level resigned from their posts in the protest.
“I will pacify the workers, who are upset over the denial of tickets in Datia. I respect the decision taken by the party. I can assure that everyone will work together for the party,” Mishra said on Saturday, after meeting the state leadership in Bhopal.
Mishra said he would fully support the BJP candidate and his campaign if the party asked for it.
Later on Saturday, a meeting was held at the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister’s residence to review the situation. Mishra held discussions with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, RSO general secretary Ajay Jammwal and BJP state president Hemant Khandelwal.
After the meeting, Khandelwal said, “I have learned that some individuals in Datia have tendered their resignation in the heat of the moment. The organization has decided not to accept the resignation of any worker.”
Kong Fields Datia, head of the royal family
Meanwhile, the Congress party has fielded Ghanshyam Singh, head of the Datia royal family, as its candidate for the upcoming Assembly by-elections.
Reacting to the announcement, Ghanshyam Singh said, “It is a huge responsibility for me as the party has shown confidence in me.”
