- Narottam Mishra gets emotional at Datia bypoll nomination rally.
- He appealed to BJP workers for Ashutosh Tiwari's victory.
- Ashutosh Tiwari filed his nomination in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
Former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra became emotional during his first public appearance after being denied the BJP ticket for the Assembly by-election from his long-time political stronghold. While addressing BJP workers in Datia on Monday, the senior leader broke down while appealing to party workers to work for the victory of BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari.
Mishra became emotional during the nomination rally of Ashutosh Tiwari, the BJP candidate from Datia, ahead of the by-election. Addressing the gathering, he said that despite Congress claims of internal differences within the BJP, the party had entered the electoral battle together and would emerge victorious with the support of its workers.
Candidate Ashutosh Tiwari filed his nomination in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, former Home Minister Dr Narottam Mishra, and state president Hemant Khandelwal, along with senior party leaders. However, Mishra’s emotional address at the public meeting following the nomination became the highlight of the event.
#WATCH | Madhya Pradesh: BJP leader Narottam Mishra gets emotional during the nomination rally of BJP candidate from Datia, Ashutosh Tiwari, ahead of the Datia by-elections. pic.twitter.com/TfkQ9TM7vO
— ANI (@ANI) July 13, 2026
Narottam Mishra’s emotional appeal to BJP workers
Dr Narottam Mishra struggled to hold back tears as he appealed to BJP workers to dedicate themselves fully to serving 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," Mishra said.
The six-time MLA became visibly emotional during his speech. After briefly pausing, he folded his hands before the gathering and said, "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."
Although Mishra did not directly mention the denial of the ticket, he recalled Datia’s political journey over the past two decades and highlighted the development work carried out during the BJP government.
"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.
Comparing the political approaches of the Congress and BJP, Mishra said there was a difference between the two parties’ working styles.
"The Congress candidate is a king, whereas we are workers who left our homes since childhood to serve the nation," he said.
He further expressed his determination to reach out to every family in Datia and seek public support, saying, "I will bow my head at every door in Datia."
As Mishra became emotional while making the statement, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, who was present on the stage, consoled him. BJP State President Hemant Khandelwal also encouraged the senior leader.
After the meeting, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav told the media that the BJP was fighting the election with complete unity. He said the candidate had been selected under the guidance of the state president and Dr Narottam Mishra and expressed confidence that the party would register a landslide victory in Datia.
BJP State President Hemant Khandelwal also claimed that the party’s victory in the Datia by-election was certain and urged workers to actively participate in the campaign.
The Datia by-election was called after Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti was disqualified under the Representation of the People Act. Voting will take place on July 30, while the counting of votes will be held on August 3.