Congress Registers Back-to-Back Victory In Datia
The Congress has once again emerged victorious in the Datia Assembly by-election, handing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a second consecutive defeat in the constituency. Congress candidate Ghanshyam Singh defeated BJP nominee Ashutosh Tiwari by a margin of 6,056 votes, strengthening the party’s hold over the seat.
The bypoll was closely watched as it was viewed as a political test for both major parties in Madhya Pradesh.
BJP Trails Even At Narottam Mishra’s Polling Booth
Adding to the BJP’s setback, the party also fell behind at Polling Booth No. 121, where former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra is registered as a voter. The Congress secured 291 votes, while the BJP received 264 votes, highlighting the party’s struggle even in an influential polling area.
Congress Maintains Lead Throughout Counting
As counting progressed, the Congress consistently stayed ahead of the BJP. By the 14th round, the party had widened its advantage significantly, while the Azad Samaj Party also registered a notable vote share during the counting process.
The victory margin remained comparable to the Congress’ winning performance in the 2023 Assembly election, indicating that the party retained substantial support in the constituency.
Celebrations Erupt At Congress Headquarters
With the result becoming clear, celebrations broke out at the Congress state headquarters in Bhopal. Party workers distributed sweets, including Melody toffees, burst firecrackers and celebrated the victory as leaders and supporters gathered to mark the occasion.
Seat Vacated After Conviction Of Former MLA
The Datia Assembly seat went to a by-election after former Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti was disqualified following a two-year prison sentence in a cooperative rural development bank fraud case. In the 2023 Assembly elections, Bharti had defeated senior BJP leader Narottam Mishra by 7,742 votes.
Jitu Patwari Credits Rahul Gandhi’s Campaign
Reacting to the outcome, Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee president Jitu Patwari credited the victory to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and said the result reflected the party’s outreach among the youth, farmers, labourers and economically weaker sections.
Patwari said, “The Datia election reflects Rahul Gandhi’s efforts and the issues he has raised across the country. He has become the voice of the youth, farmers, labourers and the poor. The people of Datia have also exposed the true face of the Madhya Pradesh government.”
