Counting underway for Datia Assembly bypoll in Madhya Pradesh; tight security in place

Counting of votes for the bypoll to the Datia Assembly constituency in Madhya Pradesh commenced on Monday (August 3, 2026), officials said.

The counting process began at 8 a.m. at the Polytechnic College under tight security, starting with postal ballots before moving on to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

A day before the result of Datia Assembly seat, the Congress suspended former MLA Rajendra Bharti — whose disqualification due to his conviction in a bank fraud case necessitated the bypoll — from the party’s primary membership. 

The suspension comes days after the Congress candidate for the bypoll, Ghanshyam Singh, accused Mr. Bharti of trying to sabotage his campaign and colluding with the Bharatiya Janata Party. 

The BJP fielded debutant Ashutosh Tiwari, after snubbing former State Home Minister Narottam Mishra who represented the seat for three consecutive terms until his defeat to Mr. Bharti in the 2023 Assembly polls

Bypoll to the Datia Assembly seat was held on July 30 and recorded a voting turnout of 71.44%, as per the Election Commission. 

A total of 21 tables, including 20 for counting of EVMs, were set up at the facility, an official said.

In the 230-member Madhya Pradesh assembly, the BJP has 164 MLAs, the Congress 64 and the Bharat Adivasi Party one legislator.

The Datia bypoll is also the first electoral test for newly appointed BJP state president Hemant Khandelwal.

(With inputs from PTI)