Datia bypoll nominations open till July 13

Bhopal: The election process for the Datia Assembly bypoll formally got underway on Monday after the Election Commission issued the gazette notification, with Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sanjeev Kumar Jha holding a meeting with representatives of recognised national political parties to review poll preparations and reiterate compliance with the Model Code of Conduct.Addressing the meeting at Nirvachan Sadan in Bhopal, Jha said nominations for the Datia Assembly seat can be filed till July 13, while scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on July 14. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is July 16. Polling will be held on July 30, and counting of votes will take place on Aug 3.The CEO said the Datia Assembly constituency has a total of 2,20,371 registered voters, including 1,16,101 male and 1,04,260 female electors.

A total of 291 polling stations have been set up for the by-election.He said the number of polling stations has increased from 257 during the 2023 Assembly elections to 291 following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, under which 34 new polling stations were created to improve voter accessibility.Jha also urged political parties to strictly adhere to the Model Code of Conduct and reminded them that candidates are mandatorily required to disclose details of all pending criminal cases while filing nomination papers.

The Datia bypoll has assumed political significance as it is the first Assembly by-election in Madhya Pradesh after the 2023 Assembly polls. The contest is expected to witness a direct fight between the ruling BJP and the Congress, with both parties likely to treat the election as an important test of public mood ahead of future electoral battles. Campaigning is expected to gather pace after the completion of the nomination process, with senior leaders from both parties likely to campaign extensively in the constituency.