BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari on Thursday reacted to the defeat in the Datia assembly by-election, saying it would be examined by a committee constituted by the party and he would not make any unauthorised comments before the review is completed.
The BJP leader stressed that the party leadership had formed a committee to conduct a point-wise review of the bypoll result.
“The party leadership has constituted a committee to conduct a point-wise review. After the review, the committee itself will take the matter forward. These are all matters of review. When the leadership takes cognisance of these issues, an authorised response can be given. It is not in my nature to make unauthorised statements. There are no answers to hypothetical questions,” Tiwari said when asked about the reasons behind the defeat.
When asked about reports of infighting within the party and the dissolution of the BJP’s Datia district executive committee, Tiwari said the development should be viewed as a change in organisational responsibilities rather than disciplinary action.
“You can see it from the perspective of a change in responsibilities. Instead of saying they have been removed, it should be said that they have been relieved of their responsibilities. It can be viewed as a change in organisational responsibilities,” he said.
Tiwari further said he would continue to discharge whatever responsibility the party assigned him as a party worker.
“As an ordinary party worker, I will fulfil whatever responsibility the leadership entrusts me with. I will continue to remain committed to serving the voters, party workers, office-bearers and senior leaders who have blessed and supported me,” he said.
When questioned about his meeting with senior BJP leader Narottam Mishra after the election results, Tiwari said it was a routine interaction.
“In public life, there is no issue with meeting anyone; everyone’s doors remain open,” he said.
Asked about a social media post by Narottam Mishra urging party workers to maintain discipline after the bypoll result, Tiwari said every individual has the right to express their views through their own social media accounts.
“Everyone has their own social media account and conveys whatever message they deem appropriate. Nothing more should be read into it. This is a normal interaction. In public life, such things should be maintained,” he added.
Congress candidate Ghanshyam Singh won the Datia Assembly by-election, defeating BJP’s Ashutosh Tiwari by a margin of 6,016 votes.