Datia Assembly Bypoll: BJP Deploys Devda, Bharat Singh Kushwah To Tackle Infighting, Caste Equation

Datia Bypoll Election: Days after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sparked a major political controversy by denying a ticket to former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister and senior leader Narottam Mishra for the upcoming Datia Assembly by-election, the party is now moving rapidly to contain internal dissent and strengthen its poll strategy.

The BJP's decision to field Ashutosh Tiwari instead of Mishra triggered resentment among a section of party workers in Datia. In response, the party has entrusted senior leaders with key responsibilities to ensure a united campaign.

Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda has been appointed to spearhead the BJP's campaign in the constituency. His deployment is seen as part of the party's strategy to strengthen its outreach among Scheduled Caste (SC) voters.

Former Union Minister and MP Bharat Singh Kushwah has been appointed chairman of the election management committee. A seasoned leader with extensive experience in the Gwalior-Chambal region, Kushwah is known for his strong organisational skills and deep understanding of the region's politics.

ALSO READ: 'Will Bow Down At Every Door’: Narottam Mishra Breaks Into Tears In Datia Bypoll Nomination Rally, Makes Emotional Appeal To BJP Workers

Bharat Singh Kushwah to Consolidate OBC Votes

The Kushwaha community, along with other Other Backward Class (OBC) groups, holds significant electoral influence in Datia and the surrounding areas. Congress has fielded Kunwar Ghanshyam Singh, a member of the former Datia royal family, the BJP has nominated Ashutosh Tiwari, a Brahmin leader.

By putting Bharat Singh Kushwaha forward, the BJP is working on a strategy to consolidate the backward class vote. The BJP's focus in the Datia by-election is to prevent internal party crisi.

ALSO READ: Datia Bypoll: Narottam Mishra Denies Meeting BJP Leaders During Delhi Visit, Vows To Support Ashutosh Tiwari

What Is BJP's Strategy?

With Ashutosh Tiwari contesting his first Assembly by-election, the BJP has opted to back him with an experienced organisational team. Bharat Singh Kushwah is expected to oversee booth management, election coordination, and grassroots mobilisation.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda is tasked with leading the political campaign, strengthening the BJP's outreach among Scheduled Caste communities, and managing any fallout from the party's ticket distribution.

Azad Samaj Party Could Make Contest Triangular

The Ahirwar and Jatav communities makes the largest share of the Scheduled Caste electorate in Datia and have traditionally been considered a key support base for the Congress.

However, the entry of Chandrashekhar Azad-led Azad Samaj Party (ASP) has added a new dimension to the contest. The party has fielded Damodar Yadav, raising the possibility of a three-cornered fight.

Experts believe the ASP could split the Dalit vote. If a section of Dalit voters shifts towards the party, it could dent the Congress's traditional vote bank while also reshaping the electoral dynamics of the bypoll.

Voting for the Datia Assembly by-election will be held on July 30, while the counting of votes is scheduled for August 3.