'Small issues arise in large family': MP deputy CM amid protests over BJP's Datia bypoll candidate

Datia (MP), Jul 11 (PTI) Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda said "small issues" happen in large families after he arrived here on Saturday evening amid an unrest following the denial of ticket to senior BJP leader Narottam Mishra for the July 30 Datia assembly bypoll. After arriving in Datia, Devda offered prayers at the Maa Pitambara temple and met local BJP leaders and workers. The BJP named Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate, overlooking former minister Mishra, for the bypoll on Friday. The nomination sparked violent protests by Mishra's supporters, with demonstrators blocking National Highway-44 for nearly 12 hours. Several police personnel, including the Datia superintendent of police, were injured in clashes and stone-pelting before police dispersed the protesters using tear gas and detained several persons. Party insiders said Devda has been sent to Datia by the state leadership to diffuse the political turmoil. "Small issues do arise in a very large family. They get resolved," Devda told PTI over the phone when asked about the unrest in Datia. "Everything is completely normal." "I prayed for the well-being and good health of all," he added regarding his visit to Maa Pitambara temple, a place of faith visited by many leaders. He said he had met local party workers and leaders, who would begin campaigning for the bypoll from Sunday. State BJP president Hemant Khandelwal is also scheduled to visit Datia on Sunday as the party seeks to close ranks ahead of the bypoll. In a related development, former MP home minister Narottam Mishra met Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Khandelwal and BJP regional organisational general secretary Ajay Jamwal in Bhopal. The BJP later said that organisational matters and preparations for the bypoll were discussed and asserted that the organisation was supreme and all workers stood firmly behind its decisions. The party also said resignations submitted by some workers were an emotional reaction and would not be accepted, adding that all workers would campaign unitedly to ensure Tiwari's victory. PTI LAL SKY SKY