Section 163 imposed in MP’s Datia:Gatherings, processions banned without permission, more than five people barred from assembling

The BJP is facing open rebellion in Datia after the party fielded Ashutosh Tiwari instead of former Home Minister Dr Narottam Mishra for the assembly bypoll. The protest, which began on Friday evening, turned aggressive by Saturday morning. A nearly 15-20 km-long traffic jam was reported on the Gwalior-Jhansi Highway. A clash broke out between police and protesters around 4:30 am on Saturday. Police used mild force and fired tear gas shells to control the situation. Protesters allegedly pelted stones, damaging some vehicles and overturning one vehicle. Protest continues overnight, several injured During the protest, SP, SDOP, eight policemen and supporters of Narottam Mishra were reported injured. Additional police forces were deployed to control the situation. It is reported that some supporters locked themselves inside the local BJP office. They later came out after police and administration officials held discussions with them. Pictures related to the protest 250 workers stopped inside BJP office After reports of a road blockade in Badounkalan, around 250 party workers were kept inside the BJP office in Datia as a precautionary measure. Authorities did not allow the supporters to leave the office due to the tense situation. Heavy police deployment continues in the area and officials are monitoring the situation. More than 500 workers on the road, women also included After the ticket announcement, more than 500 BJP workers remained on the highway till late night. A road blockade and sloganeering were also held at Haripur Tiraha in Dabra. A large number of women also joined the protest and lay down on the road to oppose the decision. The protest reached the BJP office, where supporters raised slogans against Ashutosh Tiwari. Supporters from neighbouring districts also reached Datia. District president and several leaders resign Opposing the denial of ticket to Narottam Mishra, BJP district president Raghuveer Saran and several office-bearers resigned from their posts. The city minister and BJP treasurer also stepped down. Supporters claimed that several BJP councillors have also submitted collective resignations. Narottam had purchased the nomination form After the bypoll was announced, Dr Narottam Mishra had been actively preparing for the election. He had purchased the nomination form and was holding public meetings. However, the party announced Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate at the last moment. So far, 13 people have purchased nomination forms, while four candidates have already filed their nominations. Ashutosh said- Narottam ji is our guardian BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari said he would fulfil the responsibility given by the party with full dedication. He said Dr Narottam Mishra is like a guardian to him and had called him to congratulate him. Passengers stuck in traffic jam said- troubled for hours Due to the highway blockade, trucks and other vehicles remained stuck for several hours. Several drivers said they were stranded without food and water and had no way to move ahead. Traffic Diverted, Additional Police Force Requested from PHQ As the situation worsened, police diverted routes for vehicles travelling towards Jhansi and Gwalior. Datia and Gwalior police jointly managed the traffic situation. Additional SP Manjeet Singh Chawla said protests were taking place at several locations in the district. In view of the situation, additional police force has been sought from the Police Headquarters (PHQ). Police said efforts are being made to normalise the situation through talks with protesters.