In Madhya Pradesh, the Bharatiya Janata Party has officially announced its candidate for the upcoming by-election for the Datia assembly constituency. The party's central election committee has decided to field Ashutosh Tiwari as its representative. According to a formal press release issued by the party, Ashutosh Tiwari is expected to file his nomination papers shortly.
Background of Ashutosh Tiwari
Ashutosh Tiwari comes from a background rooted in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and has previously served as a divisional organization minister for the RSS. Additionally, he has shouldered responsibilities as the chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Housing Board. Having been associated with the BJP for a long duration, he has been chosen by the party as a key candidate for the contest in Datia.
Election Schedule and Timeline
The Election Commission of India issued the notification for the by-election to fill the vacant seat in Datia on July 6. The deadline for filing nominations is July 13, while candidates will have until July 16 to withdraw their nominations. The polling in Datia is scheduled for July 30, with voting hours set from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The counting of votes will take place on August 3.
Opposition Stance and Seat History
This by-election is being viewed as a battle of prestige between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress. While the BJP has selected Ashutosh Tiwari, the Congress has yet to announce its candidate. There is speculation that the Congress may field Arjun Bharti, the son of the former MLA Rajendra Bharti who was disqualified.
The Datia assembly seat became vacant following the disqualification of Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti. He was disqualified from the state legislative assembly after being convicted in a fraud case. Notably, Rajendra Bharti had defeated the former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister and BJP leader Narottam Mishra in this constituency during the 2023 assembly elections. Narottam Mishra was considered the strongest contender for the ticket this time, but the party placed its trust in the younger face, Ashutosh Tiwari.
Legal Hurdles for Rajendra Bharti
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed a petition filed by the disqualified Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti. He had sought a stay on his conviction in a fraud case involving the illegal receipt of interest by manipulating bank records between 1998 and 2011.
