Narottam Mishra urges calm after supporters protest BJP ticket denial

In a rare show of dissent within the BJP in Madhya Pradesh, supporters of former MLA Narottam Mishra staged violent protests after he was denied a ticket, blocking the national highway in Datia overnight and disrupting the functioning of the party’s district office. While police used force to disperse protesters, several district officials resigned in protest.

Mishra, who remained silent during Friday’s unrest, was summoned to Bhopal by the state leadership on Saturday. Addressing the media, he urged party workers to monument 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 called on his supporters not to resort to violence, saying there were appropriate channels within the party to voice their concerns. Sources told ET that the party leadership had made it clear to Mishra that newly nominated candidate Ashutosh Tiwari will not be replaced. Left with little room for maneuver, Mishra agreed to abide by the party’s decision.