- BJP nominated Ashutosh Tiwari for Datia byelection.
- Replaced Narottam Mishra, sparking 12-hour protest.
- Tiwari chosen to end 'outsider' issue in Datia.
Naidunia Correspondent, Datia | The Bharatiya Janata Party nominated Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate for the Datia Assembly by-election instead of former MP Minister Dr Narottam Mishra, triggering a massive protest led by Mishra's supporters.
Who Is Ashutosh Tiwari?
Tiwari, a resident of Piprauakalan in Bhander tehsil, has long been associated with the RSS. He was also actively involved in RSS events during student politics. A double MA graduate, Tiwari served as the Chairman of the MP Housing Board during the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. He has also served as the Divisional Organisation Minister.
During the 2023 Assembly elections, he sought a BJP ticket from Seodha. However, his request was not met at that time, and the party fielded Pradeep Agarwal.
Ashutosh Tiwari's Family Background
Tiwari's father, the late Kunjbihari, was a farmer. His family background is rooted in agriculture and rural settings. His elder brother, Sanjeev Tiwari, is a teacher at a government school in Bhander, while his mother is a homemaker. 51-year-old Tiwari has been active in RSS for the past 25 years. His link to the RSS led to his appointment as Board Chairman and elevation to Cabinet Minister status in the Shivraj government.
The BJP has changed its face in Datia after nearly 15 years. Mishra had been the candidate in four consecutive assembly elections since 2008.
What Gives Tiwari An Edge Over Mishra
The outsider factor went against Mishra. The BJP has ended the outsider issue by giving a ticket to a local candidate, Tiwari. In the 2023 assembly elections, the BJP had nominated Mishra from the Datia assembly seat. Mishra hails from Dabra. The Congress capitalised the outsider issue and won the seat. Congress candidate Rajendra Bharti defeated Mishra. But this time, the BJP has put an end to this issue by nominating Tiwari.
Protest On Gwalior-Jhansi Highway For 12 Hours
Following the announcement of the BJP candidate in Datia, supporters agitated in anger around 5.30 pm on Friday evening, leading to a road blockade. This uproar continued for 12 hours, until around 5 am on Saturday morning, resulting in a 15-20 kilometre-long traffic jam on the Gwalior-Jhansi Highway, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded. In light of this massive protest, the Datia Collector has taken immediate action. Section 163 has been imposed in the district, which completely prohibits any gathering, rally, or procession without prior permission.