Datia Bypoll – Congress and BJP Trade Charges as Voting Continues Peacefully
Datia Bypoll –Voting began on Thursday for the Datia Assembly by-election in Madhya Pradesh, with both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expressing confidence in their electoral prospects. While political leaders exchanged allegations over the conduct of polling, the district administration maintained that the voting process remained peaceful and well-managed across the constituency.
Congress Candidate Expresses Confidence
Congress nominee Ghanshyam Singh cast his vote at polling station number 185, located at the Dal Mill Marketing Society in Datia, and projected confidence in the party’s performance. Speaking to reporters after voting, Singh said he expected the Congress to register a decisive victory in the bypoll and expressed optimism that the outcome would be significant for the constituency.
He also appealed to voters to participate in large numbers, urging them to exercise their democratic right and support the Congress during the election.
Allegations Over Polling Process
During his interaction with the media, Singh alleged that attempts were being made to influence the polling process. He claimed that the Congress had received complaints regarding the alleged distribution of money and liquor in different areas on the eve of voting. According to him, party workers remained active throughout the night, informing the administration about the complaints and monitoring the situation at various locations.
The Congress leader argued that despite such allegations, public support remained firmly with his party and expressed confidence that any reported irregularities would not alter the overall outcome of the election.
Booth-Level Concerns Raised
Singh also referred to a reported issue involving one of his polling agents at a booth in Basai village. He stated that the agent reached the polling station after the scheduled reporting time and initially faced difficulties in being allowed to perform polling duties.
Describing the matter as a procedural issue rather than a major dispute, Singh said he expected the administration to resolve it after discussions with election officials.
Political Debate Intensifies
The Congress candidate also echoed concerns earlier raised by Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee president Jitu Patwari, alleging that several senior BJP leaders and workers remained active in the district despite campaign restrictions. Singh claimed that Congress representatives had informed the administration about the matter and expected election authorities to ensure a level playing field during polling.
Addressing criticism that he was an “outsider” candidate because he had previously contested from Sewda, Singh dismissed the claim and asserted his long-standing association with Datia.
He further highlighted issues such as inflation, corruption, unemployment and farmers’ concerns, saying these remained the primary subjects influencing voters during the by-election.
BJP Highlights Development Agenda
BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari presented a contrasting view, stating that residents of Datia were voting in support of development, effective governance and continued progress in the constituency. He expressed confidence that the BJP would receive strong public backing during the bypoll.
Tiwari also criticized Congress leader Jitu Patwari, questioning his political standing while responding to the opposition’s allegations during the campaign.
Administration Says Polling Remains Peaceful
Datia Additional District Magistrate Akshay Kumar Temrawal said the administration had made comprehensive arrangements to conduct the election smoothly. According to him, polling was progressing peacefully in both urban and rural areas without any significant disruptions.
He said security personnel, including police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) teams, had been deployed across the constituency to maintain law and order. Officials also confirmed that electronic voting machines were functioning normally, mock polls had been successfully completed before voting began, and polling staff were present at all designated locations.
Background of the By-Election
The Datia Assembly bypoll is one of three Assembly by-elections being conducted on Thursday, alongside contests in Bankipur in Bihar and Manjalpur in Gujarat. Vote counting for all three constituencies is scheduled for August 3.
The Datia seat became vacant after Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti was disqualified on April 2, leading to the by-election. The BJP has fielded Ashutosh Tiwari, while the Congress has nominated Ghanshyam Singh for the contest