Narottam Mishra breaks down in Datia, backs BJP's Ashutosh Tiwari after ticket denial
Synopsis
A six-time MLA who built Datia into his personal fortress wept openly after his own party replaced him on the ballot. Narottam Mishra's public breakdown — and his immediate pivot to campaigning for the man who took his seat — reveals the quiet discipline the BJP demands of its veterans, even when the personal cost is visible for all to see.
Key Takeaways
Narottam Mishra , former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister and six-time MLA, broke down in tears at a BJP rally in Datia on 13 July .
Mishra was denied the party ticket for the Datia Assembly by-election ; the BJP fielded Ashutosh Tiwari in his place.
Mishra pledged to campaign continuously from 16 July until the last day of polling, urging workers to ensure Tiwari's victory.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and state BJP president Hemant Khandelwal were present when Tiwari filed his nomination papers.
Polling in Datia is scheduled for 30 July ; vote counting will take place on 3 August .
The by-election was triggered by the disqualification of Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti under the Representation of the People Act.
Former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra broke down in tears while addressing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in Datia on Monday, 13 July, in his first major public appearance since being denied the party ticket for the upcoming Assembly by-election from his long-time stronghold. The emotional moment underscored the personal cost of the BJP's decision to field Ashutosh Tiwari in his place — even as Mishra publicly rallied behind the nominee.
The Emotional Appeal
Speaking at a packed gathering held after Tiwari filed his nomination papers, Mishra struggled to hold back tears as he urged workers to dedicate themselves entirely to the people of Datia. 'I appeal to every BJP worker to work with full commitment for Ashutosh Tiwari's victory. From July 16 onwards, I will be among you continuously till the last day of campaigning. This election is not about an individual; it is about the honour and development of Datia,' he said.
The six-time MLA from Datia paused mid-speech, folded his hands before the crowd, and added: 'I only ask one thing from you — continue serving the people of Datia with the same dedication. If required, be prepared to sacrifice everything for the people of this land.' Unable to continue, he broke down before returning to his seat amid loud slogans from party workers.
Key Developments at the Nomination Filing
Earlier in the day, BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari filed his nomination papers in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, state BJP president Hemant Khandelwal, Mishra, and several senior party leaders. Tiwari acknowledged Mishra's role in shaping his political career. 'I have learnt a lot in politics from Narottam Mishra ji. He is like my elder brother. I seek the blessings and support of every BJP worker and the people of Datia. Together, we will ensure the BJP's victory,' Tiwari said.
Mishra's Message on Datia's Development
Without directly referencing the ticket denial, Mishra used his address to draw a contrast between Datia's present and its condition nearly two decades ago. 'When I first came here to contest elections nearly two decades ago, Datia lacked even basic infrastructure under the Congress government. Today, Datia has changed beyond recognition. Roads have been built, development has reached villages and flights now operate from here. This transformation has been possible because of the BJP government,' he said.
Attack on Congress
Mishra launched a pointed attack on the opposition, accusing Congress leaders — including Digvijaya Singh, Jitu Patwari, and Congress candidate Ghanshyam Singh — of having no development agenda and attempting to exploit internal BJP speculation for political gain. He argued the opposition was deliberately focusing on the BJP's internal matters rather than presenting any constructive vision for Datia.
By-Election Background and What's Next
The Datia Assembly by-election was necessitated after Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti was disqualified under the Representation of the People Act. Polling is scheduled for 30 July, with votes to be counted on 3 August. With Mishra pledging continuous campaigning from 16 July, the BJP will be watching closely whether his grassroots influence can deliver a win for Tiwari in a seat Mishra had long considered his own.
Point of View
In front of the workers he is now asking to transfer their loyalty to someone else. The BJP's decision to drop a six-time MLA from his home seat signals that the party is prioritising factional recalibration over incumbency — a pattern visible in several state units ahead of by-elections. The real test is not Mishra's loyalty, which he has now performed dramatically, but whether his voter base in Datia follows his endorsement or quietly expresses its displeasure at the ballot box. A narrow Tiwari win — or a loss — will be read as a verdict on how much personal capital Mishra actually commands.
NationPress
13 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Narottam Mishra denied the BJP ticket for the Datia by-election?
The BJP chose to field Ashutosh Tiwari instead of Narottam Mishra for the Datia Assembly by-election. The party has not publicly stated the reasons for the change. Mishra, a six-time MLA from the seat, did not reference the decision directly in his public address.
Who is the BJP candidate for the Datia Assembly by-election?
The BJP has fielded Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate for the Datia Assembly by-election. Tiwari filed his nomination papers on 13 July in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and state BJP president Hemant Khandelwal.
When is the Datia Assembly by-election scheduled?
Polling in Datia is scheduled for 30 July, with the counting of votes set for 3 August. The by-election was necessitated after Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti was disqualified under the Representation of the People Act.
What did Narottam Mishra say at the Datia rally?
Mishra appealed to BJP workers to campaign wholeheartedly for Ashutosh Tiwari, pledging to be present on the ground continuously from 16 July until the last day of campaigning. He also credited the BJP government for Datia's development over the past two decades and attacked the Congress for lacking a development agenda.
Why is the Datia by-election significant?
Datia is Narottam Mishra's long-time political stronghold, where he won six consecutive Assembly elections. The BJP's decision to replace him with a new candidate makes this by-election a test of both party discipline and whether Mishra's voter base will back the official nominee.
