"I don't forget friendship or enmity": Narottam Mishra warns police administration over action against BJP workers

Datia (Madhya Pradesh) [India], July 16 : Senior BJP leader and former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra on Thursday issued a strong warning to the police administration over the action taken against BJP workers during a recent protest in Datia, saying he "does not forget friendship or enmity."
Last week, supporters of Narottam Mishra had blocked National Highway-44 to mark of their protest after the BJP announced Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate for the Datia Assembly by-election, replacing Mishra.
Addressing party workers in Datia on Thursday, Mishra said, "I want to say that you damaged vehicles, we have video footage. If you wanted to clear the road blockade, you could have done that. But why were tear gas shells fired at the party office? Was the office building standing on the road? SP sahib, I am not a person who forgets. I remember both friendship and enmity. I know my voice will reach you through this microphone, which is why I am saying this. I will not tolerate innocent party workers being booked in cases or beaten at any cost."
The senior BJP leader also urged his supporters not to direct their anger at the BJP or the party leaders.
"I was overwhelmed with emotion and moved towards that sentiment while on stage. Seeing the condition of the workers brought tears to my eyes. But then, when your (supporters) turn came, I was saddened by that too. Some of you said we will take revenge on the BJP for every tear shed by 'Dada'. How have you become like this? If revenge has to be taken, it should be against the Congress. It should be against the police administration, not against the BJP or Ashutosh," Mishra said.
He further said, "Did Ashutosh cut my ticket? Does he have the authority to do that? Those who decide tickets are someone else. We will speak to those concerned. You know I will not remain silent."
Mishra urged party workers not to misdirect their anger, saying they should remain focused on the real battle instead of reacting emotionally.
"Don't vent your anger in the wrong direction. Don't fire your Brahmastra at the wrong target, my friends. If you use your strongest weapon at the wrong place, you will miss the real battle. You are very close to my heart. The entire city is close to my heart, and all of you have proved that. What greater achievement can a person ask for? What is so special about being an MLA? There are 230 MLAs in Madhya Pradesh, but it is you who are being talked about," the BJP leader said.
He also cautioned workers against creating a political vacuum, saying, "If you give space, someone else will come and occupy it."
Meanwhile, speaking to ANI, Mishra said, "...BJP will win. BJP's candidate will win... The enthusiasm will remain from today onwards till July 30. Congress should take care of its own house and their leaders. When Digvijay Singh, who lost Bhopal in the Lok Sabha elections by 3.5 lakh votes and his own home constituency by 1.5 lakh votes, worries about others, it is quite surprising. This is the beauty of democracy."
The Election Commission of India announced that polling for the Datia Assembly bypoll will be held on July 30, while counting of votes will take place on August 3.
The Datia Assembly seat fell vacant after Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti was disqualified following his conviction in a fraud case.