Datia by-election fallout: Congress promotes ex-BJP leader, Uma Bharti calls for review

The political fallout from the Datia Assembly by-election continues to shape Madhya Pradesh politics, with the Congress promoting senior leader Avadhesh Nayak while senior BJP leader Uma Bharti has called for a review of her party's strategy following the defeat.

The Congress has appointed Nayak as a General Secretary of the Pradesh Congress Committee. The decision came on the recommendation of AICC Madhya Pradesh in-charge Harish Chaudhary and was announced by state Congress chief Jitu Patwari.

Nayak, a prominent Brahmin leader from Datia, joined the Congress ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections after leaving the BJP following differences with former Home Minister and Datia MLA Dr Narottam Mishra.

Reward after standing by the party

Although Nayak was denied the Congress ticket twice in less than three years, he remained with the party and actively campaigned during the Datia byelection.

Party leaders believe he played a key role in mobilising Brahmin voters, particularly in the Basai region, where the community has traditionally supported the BJP.

Explaining the appointment, Jitu Patwari told NDTV, "Avadhesh Nayak worked with complete dedication for the organisation during the Datia byelection. The party recognises commitment, and this responsibility reflects that."

Congress Media Department Chairman Mukesh Nayak also backed the decision, saying, "The Congress has entrusted Avadhesh Nayak with an organisational responsibility. He will strengthen the party, and the organisation fully stands by the decision taken by Jitu Patwari."

The appointment comes days after former Datia MLA Rajendra Bharti, whose disqualification had led to the byelection, was suspended from the party's primary membership over allegations of colluding with the BJP.

BJP questions Congress move

The BJP criticised the appointment, alleging it was driven by political compulsions.

Per NDTV, party spokesperson Ajay Yadav described it as a "conditional appointment," claiming the Congress had repeatedly failed to stand by its own workers. He said, "The appointment letter came only after the election results. Congress has repeatedly deceived its own leaders. Rajendra Bharti is another example of how the party treats its workers."

Uma Bharti calls for strategy review

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Uma Bharti used the Datia result to urge introspection within the BJP.

In a social media post, she wrote, "I urge my supporters not to believe that an increase in votes because of me is enough. Ultimately, we lost the Datia byelection, and that has caused me deep pain."

Although she did not campaign in person due to health reasons, Bharti said her message had reached voters across the constituency. She added, "We did receive votes, but we have failed an important test. We must conduct an in-depth review of our strategy," signalling the need for the BJP to reassess its approach after the byelection defeat.