Congress Targets Datia By-Election With 25,000-Vote Margin Goal

Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari has set an ambitious target for the upcoming Datia by-election, projecting a 25,000-vote victory for his party. As nominations closed, the opposition framed the July 30 contest as a definitive referendum on public dissatisfaction with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s local track record.

Editorial·July 13, 2026·reads: 1,192

Congress Targets Datia By-Election With 25,000-Vote Margin Goal

Ghanshyam Singh, the Congress nominee, filed his papers accompanied by senior party leadership, including former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh and Opposition Leader Umang Singhar. Singh, a veteran who previously held the Datia seat in 1993 and 2003, pointed to the BJP’s decision to drop former minister Narottam Mishra as a critical opening. He argues that the internal friction within the ruling party, coupled with ongoing voter fatigue, creates a favorable path for a Congress comeback.

The contest follows the disqualification of Rajendra Bharti, which necessitated the current by-election. While the BJP has pivoted to Ashutosh Tiwari to retain the seat, Congress leadership insists the political tide has shifted. With polling scheduled for July 30 and the final results expected on August 3, the local campaign is intensifying as both parties look to capitalize on the vacancy in this strategically significant assembly segment.