Congress Retains Datia Seat in MP Bypoll; Ghanshyam Singh Beats BJP by 6,016 Votes

Congress candidate Ghanshyam Singh has won the Datia Assembly bypoll in Madhya Pradesh, defeating BJP nominee Ashutosh Tiwari by a margin of 6,016 votes. Singh secured 66,757 votes against Tiwari’s 60,741 votes after all 15 rounds of counting on August 3. The victory marks the second consecutive loss for the BJP in Datia, a significant setback in a state where the party holds power.

How the counting unfolded

Singh built a commanding lead early in the counting process. After the 12th round, Singh held a 12,607-vote advantage with 58,417 votes to Tiwari’s 45,810. Tiwari narrowed the gap in the final rounds but could not overcome the deficit. Singh’s lead stood at 7,531 votes after the 14th round before the final tally confirmed his victory.

Why the bypoll was called

The bypoll became necessary after Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti was disqualified in April 2026 following his conviction in a bank fraud case. Bharti had won the seat in 2023 by defeating former Home Minister Narottam Mishra. A day before the result, Congress suspended Bharti from primary membership, accusing him of sabotaging Singh’s campaign and colluding with the BJP.

BJP’s second straight loss in Datia

The BJP lost Datia in the 2023 Assembly elections to Bharti, then fielded debutant Ashutosh Tiwari for the bypoll after denying a ticket to Mishra. Mishra, who represented the seat for three consecutive terms, told media on August 3 that his political career had ended and he sought no position in the party. The loss compounds the BJP’s struggles in a state where it holds the government.

Congress eyes 2028 state elections

Singh told reporters that the verdict marks the beginning of the end for the BJP and expressed confidence that Congress would form the next government in Madhya Pradesh in 2028. Congress workers celebrated at the state headquarters in Bhopal. A total of 21 candidates contested the bypoll, held on July 30 with a voting turnout of 71.44 percent.

Final Thoughts

Congress has retained Datia for a second straight election cycle, signaling potential weakness for the BJP in Madhya Pradesh ahead of 2028 state polls. Singh’s 6,016-vote margin, though narrower than his party’s earlier lead, provides momentum for Congress in a state where the ruling party faces growing electoral pressure.

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