Congress candidate Ghanshyam Singh has expressed confidence of securing a "historic victory" in the Datia Assembly by-election in Madhya Pradesh, while accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to create disturbances during the polling process. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Singh claimed that the people of Datia had made up their minds in favour of change and would deliver a decisive mandate.
Polling for the Datia by-election began amid tight security arrangements, with over 2.20 lakh eligible voters expected to decide the electoral fate of 21 candidates. However, the contest is widely seen as a direct battle between the ruling BJP's Ashutosh Tiwari and Congress nominee Ghanshyam Singh. The Election Commission deployed security personnel across sensitive polling stations to ensure a peaceful and fair voting process.
Ghanshyam Singh alleged that the BJP was attempting to intimidate voters and create an atmosphere of fear, but maintained that such efforts would not influence the electorate. He urged voters to cast their ballots without fear and expressed confidence that Congress would register a record victory in the constituency. The BJP has not accepted these allegations and has maintained that polling is being conducted peacefully under the supervision of the Election Commission.
The by-election has drawn considerable political attention, with both the BJP and Congress conducting intensive campaigns in the days leading up to polling. Senior leaders from both parties addressed rallies and roadshows, highlighting local development, governance, and public welfare as key campaign issues. Campaigning officially ended 48 hours before voting in accordance with election rules.
District authorities said elaborate arrangements were made to ensure smooth polling, including webcasting at critical booths, deployment of central security forces, and continuous monitoring through election observers. Officials appealed to voters to participate peacefully and report any irregularities to the Election Commission.
The Datia bypoll is considered politically significant for both major parties, as the result will be viewed as a measure of public sentiment in the region. Counting of votes will take place after polling concludes, with the outcome expected to influence the political narrative in Madhya Pradesh. Election officials have reiterated their commitment to conducting a free, fair, and transparent election, urging all political parties to respect the democratic process.
