Datia (Madhya Pradesh), July 13 (IANS) Former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra turned emotional and broke down while addressing BJP workers in Datia on Monday, marking his first major public appearance after being denied the party ticket for the Assembly by-election from his long-time political stronghold.

The emotional moment came as Mishra appealed to party workers and voters to ensure the victory of BJP nominee Ashutosh Tiwari, signalling that he had put aside personal disappointment and would campaign wholeheartedly for the party.

Addressing a packed gathering after Tiwari filed his nomination papers in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and state BJP chief Hemant Khandelwal, Mishra struggled to hold back tears as he urged BJP workers to dedicate themselves completely to 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.

As he spoke about his long association with the constituency, the six-time MLA became visibly emotional. Pausing briefly, 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.”

Unable to continue further, Mishra broke down in tears before returning to his seat amid loud slogans from BJP workers.

The emotional address carried significance as it came barely days after the BJP denied him a ticket and instead fielded Ashutosh Tiwari.

Without referring to the ticket denial, Mishra used his speech to remind people of Datia’s political journey over the past 20 years. “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.

Launching a sharp attack on the Congress, Mishra accused the opposition of avoiding the issue of development and instead attempting to exploit speculation over the BJP’s internal affairs.

Targeting senior Congress leaders Digvijaya Singh, Jitu Patwari and Congress candidate Ghanshyam Singh, he said the opposition had no development agenda to present before the people and was therefore trying to derive political mileage by discussing the BJP’s internal matters.

Earlier in the day, BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari filed his nomination papers in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, BJP state president Hemant Khandelwal, Mishra and several senior party leaders.

Addressing the gathering after filing his nomination, Tiwari acknowledged Mishra’s contribution to his political career. “I have learnt a lot in politics from Narottam Mishra ji. He is like my elder brother. I seek the blessings and support of every BJP worker and the people of Datia. Together, we will ensure the BJP’s victory,” Tiwari said.

The Datia by-election was necessitated after Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti was disqualified under the Representation of the People Act. Polling will be held on July 30, and counting of votes will take place on August 3.

–IANS

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