Leader of the Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, Umang Singhar, commented on the Congress party’s victory in the Datia Assembly by-election. Describing the victory as a public mandate against the BJP’s policies, he said that the BJP, which has been in power in the state for the past 22 years, has failed to fulfill most of the promises made to the public. He launched a scathing attack on the BJP government, raising issues concerning farmers, youth, Dalits, tribals, and backward classes. He also demanded an impartial investigation into the Ram Temple donation controversy that arose in Parliament.
Umang Singhar said that the BJP has failed on every front since day one. During its 22 years in power, the BJP failed to provide timely fertilizers to farmers, adequate electricity, and employment to youth.
Instead of addressing the unemployment problem, the government attempted to deflect attention from the real issue by labeling the youth as aspirational. On issues such as land disputes, atrocities against Dalits and tribals, and the 27 percent reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), the government merely made promises but failed to implement them. These local and public concerns were also prominent in the Datia by-election, and the public rejected the BJP for these reasons.
Referring to the discussion in Parliament on the Ram Temple issue, Singhar said that those who claimed to be protectors of religion are now facing scrutiny. Millions of devotees across the country have donated with their faith in the name of the Ram Temple, so it is important to know how that money was used.
The government should conduct an impartial investigation into this matter and clarify where the crores of rupees received in the name of the temple went, who used them, and whether the funds were used appropriately. This is not merely a political issue but also a matter involving the religious faith of millions of people, so the government should complete the investigation and present the truth to the public.
Responding to a question about Congress’s victory in the Datia by-election, the Leader of the Opposition said that by-elections are an important test for any government to gauge public opinion. The BJP has consistently failed this test.
The results of both the Shivpuri and Datia by-elections are alarm bells for the BJP. While the Congress, while buoyed by this victory, will also be introspecting, assessing its strengths and weaknesses and formulating a strategy for the upcoming elections.
When asked whether other political dynamics contributed to Congress’ victory, Umang Singhar said the election was fought entirely on local issues. He claimed that the region had long been gripped by an atmosphere of fear and terror, which was affecting the general public and the business community.
The BJP, in response to this situation, also denied its former leader’s ticket, resulting in political losses. On the other hand, Congress workers fought the election unitedly and strongly addressed local issues.
Singhar claimed that the people of Datia have rejected the politics of fear and pressure and have supported the Congress party. He said that the Congress party has given the message of making Datia terror-free, and the people have voted with that mindset and chosen the path of change.