MP: Congress launches Datia bypoll campaign, keeps candidate suspense alive

Datia, July 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Congress on Saturday formally launched its campaign for the high-stakes Datia Assembly bypoll, with state president Jitu Patwari and former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh projecting organisational unity, attacking the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and keeping the suspense over the party's candidate alive.

Patwari, who reached Datia from Bhopal accompanied by Digvijaya Singh, addressed a well-attended workers' convention on Saturday.

Patwari said the Congress was fully united and prepared to win the by-election with the support of the people.

"The Congress party is completely united and ready to secure victory in the upcoming election. The enthusiasm of our workers and the strength of the organisation reflect the growing desire for change in the state," he said.

Patwari also praised former Congress MLA (Datia) Rajendra Bharti, saying he had refused to compromise despite political pressure and legal challenges after the last Assembly election.

"He (Bharti) never bowed before pressure. He fought continuously to protect the people's mandate, democracy and his self-respect. Choosing to fight instead of surrendering is the hallmark of a true public representative," Patwari said.

Patwari launched a sharp attack on the BJP and former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra, who represented the Datia Assembly constituency multiple times and remained one of the BJP's most influential leaders in the state for over a decade.

Referring to him as "Ahankari Bhaiya" (arrogant brother), Patwari alleged that the people of Datia would give a fitting reply to "arrogance" at the polls.

In a bid to send out a message of unity, Patwari asked workers to support the Congress symbol irrespective of who is chosen as the party's nominee.

Briefly raising expectations of an announcement, he asked workers whether they wanted him to declare the candidate's name. As the gathering responded enthusiastically, Patwari said, "My candidate is the Congress symbol," leaving the suspense over the nominee intact.

Neither the Congress nor the BJP has announced its candidate for the bypoll so far. The last date for filing nominations is July 13; scrutiny of papers will be held on July 14; candidates can withdraw nominations till July 16; polling will take place on July 30, and counting of votes is scheduled for August 3.

The Datia bypoll is expected to witness an intense contest, with both the BJP and the Congress viewing it as a key political battle in Madhya Pradesh.

Source: IANS