Datia, July 24 (IANS) Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday campaigned for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Ashutosh Tiwari in the Datia Assembly by‑election, highlighting the Centre and the Madhya Pradesh government’s development initiatives and urging voters to back the party to sustain the pace of growth.

Addressing a public meeting at Badoni in Datia district, Scindia said the bypoll was not merely about electing an MLA but about strengthening Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat”.

Claiming that the BJP government had fulfilled every promise made to the people of Datia, Scindia said the region had witnessed rapid development under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. “Every promise made to the people of Datia has been fulfilled. Now, vote for the Lotus to keep the pace of development intact,” he said.

The Union Minister said the BJP government had ensured stoppages of the Taj Express and Jhelum Express at Datia, established a Kendriya Vidyalaya and strengthened the region’s power infrastructure through a project worth nearly Rs 200 crore at Badoni.

He also announced that the foundation stone for the proposed Gwalior‑Bhind‑Etawah four‑lane highway would be laid soon, saying the project would improve connectivity across the region.

Listing other projects, Scindia, who is Lok Sabha MP from Guna, said Datia had received an airport built at a cost of around Rs 100 crore, a medical college, a veterinary college, CM Rise schools, drinking water schemes and sewerage projects during the BJP’s tenure.

Targeting the Congress, Scindia alleged that its 2018 government in Madhya Pradesh failed to deliver development and was marred by corruption. In contrast, he said, the BJP had focused on infrastructure, welfare schemes and public services over the past two decades.

“Datia has resolved to elect the Narottam‑Ashutosh duo. This election is about carrying forward the development journey and strengthening Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India,” he added.

Polling for the Datia Assembly by‑election is scheduled for July 30. The BJP has fielded Ashutosh Tiwari against Congress’ Ghanshyam Singh for this high‑profile contest, with senior leaders from both parties campaigning extensively in the constituency.

–IANS

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