Uproar in Datia After Ticket Denial: Narottam Mishra's Supporters Stage Violent Protest; NH-44 Blocked for 11 Hours, Police Pelted with Stones
Datia (Madhya Pradesh): Protests by supporters of former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister and senior BJP leader Narottam Mishra turned violent after he was denied a ticket for the Datia Assembly by-election. Supporters blocked National Highway-44 on Friday night, bringing traffic to a complete standstill for nearly 11 hours and causing a traffic jam stretching 20 to 25 kilometers. Numerous buses, trucks, and ambulances were stranded during this period.
Datia Collector Swapnil Wankhede stated that the blockade continued until around 5 AM, affecting four districts—Datia, Jhansi, Shivpuri, and Gwalior—with Gwalior being the most impacted. The administration attempted to reason with the protesters throughout the night, but they remained adamant.
According to the Collector, additional police forces were summoned around 4 AM, and further talks were held with the protesters. During this time, the protesters began pelting stones at the police. Police had to fire tear gas shells to control the crowd. Protesters entered a government office building and continued pelting stones at the police from there.
Eight police personnel sustained serious injuries during the violence. The SDPO suffered a severe hand injury, while the Superintendent of Police (SP), Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), and Collector Swapnil Wankhede were also injured. The Collector noted that he escaped serious injury because he was wearing a helmet.
Several vehicles were damaged during the violent protest. Protesters smashed the windows of numerous trucks—including three or four police vehicles—and overturned some vehicles. The administration stated that despite the escalating situation, the police exercised maximum restraint and did not resort to a lathi-charge.
Collector Swapnil Wankhede emphasized that the administration's priority is a peaceful resolution. He appealed to the protesters to come out one by one and return to their homes. He stated that the administration does not wish to take harsh action against the protesters if they maintain peace; however, strict measures will be taken if any attempt is made to disrupt law and order.
It is worth noting that the Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate for the Datia Assembly by-election. Narottam Mishra has served as the MLA from Datia three times but faced defeat against Congress candidate Rajendra Bharti in the previous assembly election.
This by-election in Datia is being held following the cancellation of Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti's assembly membership. His membership was terminated after a Delhi MP-MLA court sentenced him to three years in prison in a 1998 bank fraud case, prompting the Election Commission to announce the by-election. If you wish, I can also prepare glamorous thumbnail headlines and breaking news design text for YouTube or news portals.
