BJP, Congress Step Up Campaigning for Datia Bypoll Ahead of July 30 Voting

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday led the BJP's campaign in the poll-bound Datia Assembly constituency, while Congress leaders intensified their outreach through public meetings and door-to-door campaigning ahead of the July 30 bypoll.

With campaigning set to conclude on Tuesday evening, both parties have stepped up efforts to woo voters. Votes will be counted on August 3. Yadav attended a convention of the influential Kushwaha community before leading a roadshow in support of BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari. He appealed to community members to ensure a "historic victory" for the BJP. Former state home minister Narottam Mishra, BJP MP and bypoll in-charge Bharat Singh Kushwaha, and other senior party leaders accompanied the chief minister.

Addressing the gathering, Yadav accused the Congress of being divided by internal factions and pursuing divisive politics. He said the BJP stood for development, good governance and public service, claiming that the party's government had given a new direction to Datia's development.

The BJP candidate is facing Congress nominee Ghanshyam Singh, a local royal. Tiwari's selection had reportedly caused discontent among supporters of Mishra, adding an internal challenge to the BJP's campaign.

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari held a series of small public meetings and conducted door-to-door campaigns across the constituency. He accused the BJP of relying on "money power and government machinery" and alleged that around ₹50 crore had been brought into Datia to influence voters.

Patwari said Congress workers would monitor the constituency's borders and polling booths to prevent attempts to influence the electoral process. Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar, former Leader of Opposition Ajay Singh and other senior Congress leaders also campaigned. Singhar met tribal voters in several areas and claimed their support indicated a Congress victory.

The bypoll was necessitated after Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti lost his assembly membership following his conviction in a cheating case. In the 2023 polls, Bharti had defeated Narottam Mishra by more than 7,500 votes.