MP Politics: Highway Blocked as Narottam Supporters Protest BJP’s Candidate Choice

A major political controversy erupted in Madhya Pradesh’s Datia after the BJP denied a ticket to former Home Minister Narottam Mishra for the Assembly by-election and instead fielded Ashutosh Tiwari. The decision triggered massive protests by Narottam Mishra’s supporters, who blocked National Highway-44 and staged demonstrations, with several women lying on the road in protest. Heavy police deployment was made to clear the highway, and force was used to disperse the protesters. Anger within the party intensified as the district BJP president, several office-bearers and councillors reportedly submitted their resignations. Narottam Mishra had been preparing for the by-election for months and had even purchased nomination papers, leading supporters to believe that he would receive the ticket. However, the party’s last-minute decision sparked open rebellion within the BJP ranks. While Ashutosh Tiwari described Narottam Mishra as a senior leader and expressed hope for his support, Mishra’s supporters termed the decision unilateral and warned they would not work for the party unless the ticket was changed.