Counting underway for Datia Assembly bypoll in Madhya Pradesh; tight security in place
Vote counting for the Datia Assembly bypoll in Madhya Pradesh is underway under strict security measures. The election follows the disqualification of a former MLA and serves as a significant test for the state's political parties.
Why it matters
The outcome of this bypoll influences the legislative balance in Madhya Pradesh and reflects current political dynamics within the state.
Counting of votes for the bypoll to the Datia Assembly constituency in Madhya Pradesh commenced on Monday (August 3, 2026), officials said.
The counting process began at 8 a.m. at the Polytechnic College under tight security, starting with postal ballots before moving on to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
A day before the result of Datia Assembly seat, the Congress suspended former MLA Rajendra Bharti — whose disqualification due to his conviction in a bank fraud case necessitated the bypoll — from the party’s primary membership.
The suspension comes days after the Congress candidate for the bypoll, Ghanshyam Singh, accused Mr. Bharti of trying to sabotage his campaign and colluding with the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The BJP fielded debutant Ashutosh Tiwari, after snubbing former State Home Minister Narottam Mishra who represented the seat for three consecutive terms until his defeat to Mr. Bharti in the 2023 Assembly polls
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