In a rare display of dissent within the BJP in Madhya Pradesh, supporters of former MLA Narottam Mishra staged violent protests after he was denied a ticket, blocking a national highway in Datia overnight and disrupting the functioning of the party’s district office. Police used force to disperse the protesters, while several district office-bearers resigned in protest.
Mishra, who had maintained silence through Friday’s unrest, was summoned to Bhopal by the state leadership on Saturday. Addressing the media, he urged party workers to abide by the BJP’s decision.
“We will convince the workers. These are our workers, our own people. Everyone will agree. I have no dissatisfaction with anyone. I will do whatever the party says,” he said. Earlier in the day, he appealed to his supporters not to resort to violence, saying there were proper channels within the party to voice their concerns. Sources told ET the party leadership made it clear to Mishra that newly nominated candidate Ashutosh Tiwari would not be replaced. Left with little room to manoeuvre, Mishra agreed to abide by the party’s decision.
