Political tension reached a peak in Madhya Pradesh as voting got underway for the Datia assembly by-election. Congress candidate Ghanshyam Singh expressed immense confidence in securing a victory, claiming that the party is set to create history in the constituency. Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, Ghanshyam Singh stated that voters would break all previous polling records in favor of Congress, while simultaneously accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of attempting to disrupt the election atmosphere and orchestrate voting irregularities.
Voting at Polling Booth and Claims of Record Victory
As part of the polling day activities, Congress candidate Ghanshyam Singh arrived at Booth No. 185, located at the Dal Mill Marketing Society in Datia, to exercise his franchise. Immediately after casting his vote, he addressed media personnel and reiterated his strong belief in an overwhelming public mandate for Congress.
Emphasizing his electoral prospects, Ghanshyam Singh asserted, "I am 100 percent confident that records will be broken in the Datia assembly constituency this time and Congress will achieve a historic victory." He noted that the electorate in Datia has made up its mind to reject the ruling party's conduct and stand firmly behind Congress, adding that voters are fully aware of their democratic rights and cannot be intimidated.
Allegations of Cash, Liquor, and Polling Agent Delay
Launching a scathing attack on the BJP state government, Ghanshyam Singh alleged that unfair means were being deployed to disturb the peaceful voting process. He claimed that on the eve of polling, multiple complaints surfaced regarding the distribution of cash and liquor across various areas to sway voters. He stated that these matters were promptly reported to the local administration and police authorities.
Ghanshyam Singh detailed how Congress workers remained vigilant throughout the night to protect electoral integrity, adding that workers successfully chased away unauthorized individuals involved in illegal inducements in several locations. He remarked that once citizens resolve to support a candidate, large-scale irregularities cannot alter the final election outcome, and minor disturbances would have a very limited impact.
Addressing reports regarding a Congress polling agent being barred from entering Booth No. 169 in Basai, Ghanshyam Singh clarified that the issue was purely procedural rather than a deliberate ban. He explained that the polling agent reached the booth after the designated 7:00 AM start time, prompting the presiding officer to initially deny entry as an official agent. Ghanshyam Singh assured that he would speak with election officials to resolve the technical issue swiftly, while appealing to residents to vote in large numbers for Congress and defeat the arrogance of the BJP government.
Support for Jitu Patwari and Debate Over Outside Leaders
Extending full support to the allegations made by Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee President Jitu Patwari, Ghanshyam Singh questioned the ruling party's tactics in Datia. He alleged that the entire BJP state cabinet had camped in Datia for the by-election and had brought in numerous outside cadres to influence the campaign.
Ghanshyam Singh highlighted that in compliance with election regulations, senior Congress leaders departed from Datia by the evening of 28 July. In contrast, he claimed that several senior BJP leaders continued to remain stationed along the district borders. He issued a warning to the administration, stating that if outside BJP leaders stationed on the borders are not removed immediately, senior Congress leaders will also be forced to return to Datia.
Security Concerns at Sensitive Booths and the Outsider Tag
Expressing concern over the 18 polling centers designated as sensitive in the Datia constituency, Ghanshyam Singh cautioned that the BJP might bring in goons and anti-social elements from outside to create chaos. However, he emphasized that local villagers and Congress workers are alert, stating that if anyone attempts to manipulate polling, entire villages will unite against them.
Responding to accusations from rival political parties labeling him an 'outsider candidate', Ghanshyam Singh firmly rejected the claim. Highlighting his local roots and standing, he pointed out that he maintains his own fort in Datia as well as in Sevda, making the outsider tag completely baseless.
BJP Candidate Ashutosh Tiwari Counterattacks
On the other hand, BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari dismissed all allegations made by the Congress camp. Ashutosh Tiwari claimed that the voters of Datia are casting their ballots in favor of the BJP based on the party's track record of development, good governance, and overall regional progress. He expressed confidence that the electorate would reward the state government's performance.
Ashutosh Tiwari launched a sharp attack against MP Congress President Jitu Patwari, describing him as politically irrelevant. The BJP candidate pointed out that a leader who himself lost his election by a massive margin of 35,000 votes is currently leading the Congress party, suggesting that his accusations hold no weight. As voting concludes, both political parties remain locked in a fierce contest, with Congress accusing the ruling party of irregularities and BJP expressing complete faith in public support for development.
