Ashutosh Tiwari Defies Congress Claims in High-Stakes Datia By-Election

Tiwari targeted Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari, questioning the legitimacy of his win predictions by pointing to Patwari’s history of electoral setbacks. The candidate doubled down on the BJP’s 'double-engine government' narrative, insisting that local voters remain firmly aligned with the party's platform of progress.

Veteran Congress leader Digvijaya Singh also faced criticism, with Tiwari reviving the 'Bantadhar' label to characterize Singh’s past tenure as Chief Minister. Regarding the controversy over Congress members comparing senior leader Narottam Mishra to 'Ravana,' Tiwari brushed off the rhetoric, asserting that such personal attacks fail to shake party unity or diminish Mishra’s standing as a mentor to the local cadre.

The Datia seat became vacant following the disqualification of Rajendra Bharti. While Congress leaders have attempted to highlight reports of internal BJP friction, the ruling party countered that narrative during the nomination filing process, where top leadership appeared alongside Tiwari to project a cohesive front.