Just before the results of the Datia Assembly by-election in Datia, Madhya Pradesh, the Congress party took a major organizational step, expelling senior leader and former MLA Rajendra Bharti from the party for six years. This action comes amid allegations of dissent and sabotage within the party during the by-election.

Congress candidate Kunwar Singh Ghanshyam had leveled serious allegations against Rajendra Bharti during the election campaign, alleging that instead of supporting the Congress candidate, Rajendra Bharti worked in favor of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He also alleged that he allegedly received financial support from BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari, a complaint about which was brought to the party leadership.

Ghanshyam Singh had demanded disciplinary action in this matter. After considering the complaints, the Congress leadership took a firm stance against Rajendra Bharti and decided to expel him from the party for six years.

Rajendra Bharti is an influential figure in Datia politics

Rajendra Bharti has long been considered an influential figure in Datia district politics. He has served as a three-time MLA and established a prominent position in state politics by defeating senior BJP leader and former Home Minister Narottam Mishra in the 2023 assembly elections. His father, the late Shyam Sundar Shyam, was also a senior Congress leader and MLA. Due to this political legacy and strong support base in the region, Rajendra Bharti has been considered a key figure in Datia politics.

This action by the Congress, ahead of the by-election results, is considered politically significant, as it seeks to send a clear message of party discipline and organizational rigor.