Archive · 3 Aug 2026
Counting Begins for Datia Assembly Bypoll Amid Tight Security
A special election was held in Datia, a town in Madhya Pradesh, to fill a seat that became empty after the former MLA, Rajendra Bharti, was disqualified for a bank fraud case.
The voting took place on July 30, 2026, and 71.44% of people who could vote turned up.
Counting of the votes started on Monday morning at 8 a.m.
at the Government Polytechnic College.
They set up 21 tables, 20 for electronic machines and one for postal ballots.
The BJP ran a new candidate, Ashutosh Tiwari, while Congress had Ghanshyam Singh.
The results will show whether the BJP keeps its lead or if the other parties can catch up.
Counting of votes for the Datia Assembly bypoll started Monday at 8 a.m. at Government Polytechnic College.
21 counting tables were set up, including 20 for EVMs and one for postal ballots.
The bypoll, held July 30, had a 71.44% voter turnout and was triggered by former MLA Rajendra Bharti’s disqualification.
Congress suspended Bharti after accusations of campaign sabotage and aiding the BJP.
BJP fielded first‑time candidate Ashutosh Tiwari, with the bypoll seen as a test for new state president Hemant Khandelwal.
- Who
- BJP, Congress, former MLA Rajendra Bharti
- What
- Counting of votes for the Datia Assembly bypoll
- When
- Counting began Monday, August 3, 2026; bypoll held July 30, 2026
- Where
- Datia, Madhya Pradesh, at Government Polytechnic College
- Why
- Bypoll triggered by disqualification of Rajendra Bharti
- Election Date
- July 30, 2026
- Turnout
- 71.44%
- Counting Start Time
- 8:00 a.m.
- Number of Counting Tables
- 21
- Disqualified MLA
- Rajendra Bharti
- BJP Candidate
- Ashutosh Tiwari
- Congress Candidate
- Ghanshyam Singh