Bhopal, July 10 (IANS) Ashutosh Tiwari, the newly nominated BJP candidate for the Datia Assembly by-election in Madhya Pradesh, on Friday said that the party had once again demonstrated its faith in dedicated workers and that he would strive to justify the confidence reposed in him.

Speaking to IANS soon after the announcement of his candidature, Tiwari said, “I am grateful to the party’s central and state leadership for giving me this responsibility. The BJP has always respected its dedicated workers, and I will work with full commitment to justify the confidence shown in me.”

He said the bypoll would be fought on the BJP government’s development agenda under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.

“The people of Datia have seen the work done by the BJP governments at both the Centre and the state. I will reach every voter with the party’s achievements and seek their blessings,” Tiwari told IANS.

The BJP announced Tiwari’s candidature shortly after the Delhi High Court refused to stay the conviction of former Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti, removing the legal uncertainty over the bypoll.

The High Court dismissed Bharti’s plea, effectively ending his legal challenge.

Responding to reports of surprise among some party workers over his selection, Tiwari said the BJP functioned on the principle of collective leadership. “Our party is organisation-centric. Every worker follows the party’s decision. I am confident that all senior leaders and workers will work together to ensure the BJP’s victory,” he said.

Tiwari has served as the BJP’s Divisional Organisation Secretary and later as Chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Housing Board with Cabinet rank.

His nomination came as a surprise in political circles as former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra was widely expected to be the BJP candidate.

Mishra had purchased nomination papers earlier this week and was preparing to file his nomination before the party announced Tiwari’s name.

The Datia Assembly seat fell vacant after Rajendra Bharti was disqualified following his conviction in a criminal case.

Polling for the by-election will be held on July 30, while counting of votes is scheduled for August 3.

The Congress is yet to announce its candidate.

–IANS

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