The Election Commission of India has set July 30 as the date for the by-election to the Datia Assembly constituency in Madhya Pradesh. The Opposition Congress has accused the BJP and the Election Commission of conspiring in the disqualification of MLA Rajendra Bharti, setting the stage for a significant political battle. Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar urged Congress workers to gear up for the upcoming state bypoll, emphasizing the massive support Bharti received in the 2023 elections.
Nominations for the by-election will be accepted from July 6 to 13, with scrutiny on July 14, withdrawals allowed until July 16, polling scheduled for July 30, and vote counting on August 3, as per the ECI schedule. The bypoll was necessitated after Bharti’s disqualification under the Representation of the People Act due to a criminal conviction. Datia holds political importance in the Gwalior-Chambal region, having witnessed Bharti’s victory over the former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra in the 2023 elections.
The BJP is anticipated to aggressively contest to regain the Assembly seat, possibly fielding Mishra again. Conversely, the Congress aims to defend its victory in the 2023 polls and secure Datia. This bypoll is crucial for both parties in the politically significant Gwalior-Chambal region, with the political landscape poised for a tense battle.
