Is there a plot to sideline Narottam Mishra in BJP?

Once a key figure in Madhya Pradesh BJP, why has Narottam Mishra's return been stalled by the party?

In Datia, protests erupted on Friday evening after the BJP replaced former Home Minister Dr. Narottam Mishra with Ashutosh Tiwari as the candidate for the by-election. By Saturday, the protests turned violent. Supporters of Mishra blocked roads and engaged in stone-pelting. According to the administration, eight policemen, including several senior officers, were injured. Reports also indicate that some protesters were injured. Additional police forces were deployed to control the situation. Mishra, who had been an MLA from the Datia seat three times, lost the 2023 Assembly election.

Following the ticket denial, Mishra appealed to his supporters to maintain peace, urging them not to resort to violence or roadblocks and to voice their concerns on the party platform. However, the issue is not just about the protest but also why the party blocked the return of Narottam Mishra, once among the most influential leaders of the Madhya Pradesh BJP.

According to BJP leaders and political analysts,

the Datia by-election was a significant opportunity for Mishra to return to active politics after his 2023 defeat. In recent months, he increased his activity in the region, reached out to various communities, and tried to strengthen his support base.

According to a BBC report, senior BJP leaders stated that

the decision was not limited to the Datia seat. They believe that if Narottam Mishra returned to the Assembly, a new power center would emerge in the state, while Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is still consolidating his political hold. In such a scenario, the party leadership did not want a parallel power center.

Senior journalist Nitendra Sharma also believes that the government is already under pressure on several issues. At such a time, the emergence of a new power center within the organization could have increased internal strife. Locally, it was almost certain that Mishra would get the ticket, but by nominating Ashutosh Tiwari at the last moment, the BJP signaled that the final decision rests with the top leadership.

According to senior journalist Deshdeep Saxena,

Narottam Mishra's relations with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and the current party leadership were not as strong as before. He states that the influence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the BJP has increased, and the party is now promoting leadership that aligns with the current organizational strategy.

Saxena cited examples of senior leaders like Gopal Bhargava, Prahlad Patel, Kailash Vijayvargiya, and Shivraj Singh Chouhan, saying that the once influential leaders now face new challenges. He also mentioned the Rajya Sabha elections and the Datia ticket distribution as part of this change. Political analyst Rajesh Badal also acknowledged that the growing role of the RSS and its strong hold in the organization was a major reason for Narottam Mishra's ticket being cut.

According to political analyst Rajesh Badal,

the BJP is balancing power within the organization and wants to convey a message of a clean image while changing its political style.

The voting for the Datia by-election will take place on 30th July, while the counting will be on 3rd August. It seems that whether the BJP wins or loses, Narottam Mishra's defeat is certain.