Datia: BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari led the Datia Assembly bypoll by 875 votes after the second round of counting on Monday.

According to the latest trends, Tiwari had secured 8,253 votes, while Congress candidate Ghanshyam Singh polled 7,378 votes. Counting of votes is underway.

Meanwhile, the BJP expressed confidence that the party would retain the seat, citing public support for Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's development agenda.

Reacting to the early trends, Tiwari said the people of Datia had backed the BJP government's performance.

"Everyone's blessings are with the BJP; we have received immense support from all. The voters have extended their blessings to the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, led by CM Mohan Yadav, based on the agenda of development."

The by-election has witnessed a direct contest between BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari and Congress nominee Ghanshyam Singh. Polling for the seat was held on July 30, recording a voter turnout of nearly 72 per cent.

The Datia Assembly seat fell vacant after the disqualification of former Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti, who was convicted in a bank fraud and cheating case by a Delhi court.

Ahead of the counting, BJP District President Raghuveer Sharan Kushwaha criticised the Congress and expressed confidence in the BJP's prospects.

"It is the day of vote counting, and we are fully prepared and have arrived at the counting venue... There is no doubt that the results will be positive. The Congress party is in a state of decline across the country; even its senior leadership remains fractured. Consequently, their grassroots organisation is disintegrating, as the party is plagued by internal infighting and the spreading of confusion."

The authorities have deployed extensive security arrangements at the counting centre.

Datia Superintendent of Police Mayur Khandelwal said, "Today is a crucial day, and a comprehensive three-layer security arrangement is in place, covering the inner, middle, and outer perimeters. Adequate parking arrangements have also been made. We are ensuring that no unauthorised person gains entry; access is being strictly controlled. Every effort is being made to prevent overcrowding and ensure effective crowd management at all times."

He added, "Additionally, adequate security arrangements are in place across the city. Suspicious individuals, whether identified through social media or local intelligence, have already been flagged, and preventive action has been taken against them."