BJP moves EC against Jitu Patwari over Datia bypoll remarks
Synopsis
With Datia heading to polls on 30 July, the BJP has escalated its complaint to the Election Commission against MP Congress president Jitu Patwari, seeking a campaign ban after his public allegation that the BJP brought ₹50 crore to buy votes at ₹5,000 apiece. The move signals how high the stakes are in a bypoll triggered by a sitting MLA's criminal conviction.
Key Takeaways
The BJP filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India on 27 July against MP Congress president Jitu Patwari .
Patwari allegedly claimed the BJP brought ₹50 crore to Datia to distribute ₹5,000 per vote and planned booth-capturing with police help.
The BJP called the allegations 'false, baseless and misleading' and sought a ban on Patwari's campaign in the constituency.
The Datia Assembly bypoll was triggered by the disqualification of Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti after his conviction for financial irregularities.
Polling is on 30 July ; votes will be counted on 3 August .
The BJP has fielded debutant Ashutosh Shukla against Congress's two-time former MLA Ghanshyam Singh .
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday, 27 July filed a formal complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) against Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari, seeking action against him and a ban on his campaigning in the Datia Assembly constituency ahead of the upcoming bypoll. The complaint centres on Patwari's public allegations that the BJP had brought ₹50 crore into Datia to buy votes at ₹5,000 per vote.
What Patwari Said
Addressing a public meeting in Datia, Patwari alleged that the BJP had transported ₹50 crore into the constituency to influence voters and intended to distribute ₹5,000 for every vote cast in its favour. He went further, telling attendees that if they received any amount less than that, they should conclude that someone had siphoned off the remainder.
Patwari also alleged that the BJP was preparing to capture polling booths with the active assistance of the police and district administration. He claimed that police officials were being transferred overnight and alleged that the ruling party had lost confidence even in its own senior figures, including former minister Narottam Mishra. He urged Congress workers and voters to remain vigilant on polling day.
BJP's Complaint to the ECI
In its complaint to the Chief Election Commissioner, the BJP described Patwari's allegations as 'false, baseless and misleading', arguing they were designed to erode public trust in government institutions and distort the electoral atmosphere during the Model Code of Conduct period.
'Such false and unsubstantiated allegations are intended to influence voters and affect the electoral atmosphere during the Model Code of Conduct period. Appropriate action should be taken to ensure free and fair elections,' the BJP stated in its complaint.
The party has urged the Commission to immediately investigate the matter and bar Patwari from entering or campaigning in the Datia Assembly constituency for the remainder of the bypoll period.
Background: Why the Datia Seat Is Vacant
The Datia Assembly bypoll was necessitated after Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti was disqualified following his conviction on charges of financial irregularities. Polling is scheduled for 30 July, with counting of votes on 3 August.
The BJP has fielded first-time candidate Ashutosh Shukla against the Congress nominee Ghanshyam Singh, a two-time former MLA. The seat carries significance for both parties as a test of voter sentiment in Madhya Pradesh under the current political alignment.
What Happens Next
The Election Commission is expected to take cognisance of the complaint and may summon Patwari or seek a response before passing any order. With polling just days away, any ECI directive could have immediate consequences for Congress's campaign strategy in Datia. Both parties are now likely to intensify their outreach to the Commission as the constituency heads into its final days of campaigning.
Point of View
However unverified, is the kind of charge that travels fast in a bypoll constituency. By seeking a campaign ban rather than simply a rebuke, the BJP is trying to silence an aggressive opposition voice days before voting. The deeper story, though, is the seat itself: a Congress MLA convicted for financial irregularities handed the BJP an opening, and the party cannot afford to lose it under a cloud of vote-buying accusations. The ECI's response — or silence — in the next 48 hours will define whether the Model Code of Conduct has any real teeth in a high-stakes bypoll.
NationPress
27 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the BJP file a complaint against Jitu Patwari with the Election Commission?
The BJP filed the complaint on 27 July after Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari publicly alleged that the BJP had brought ₹50 crore to Datia to buy votes at ₹5,000 per vote and planned to capture polling booths with police help. The BJP called these claims false and misleading, and sought a ban on Patwari's campaigning in the constituency.
What are the Datia bypoll polling and counting dates?
Polling in the Datia Assembly bypoll is scheduled for 30 July, and the counting of votes will take place on 3 August.
Why was the Datia Assembly seat vacant?
The seat fell vacant after Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti was disqualified following his conviction on charges of financial irregularities, making a bypoll necessary.
Who are the main candidates in the Datia bypoll?
The BJP has fielded first-time candidate Ashutosh Shukla, while the Congress has nominated Ghanshyam Singh, a two-time former MLA from the constituency.
What action can the Election Commission take on the BJP's complaint?
The Election Commission can summon Patwari, seek a response from him, issue a notice, or direct him to stop making specific claims during the campaign. In more serious cases, the ECI can restrict a leader's campaign activities for a defined period under the Model Code of Conduct.
