Congress Suspends Rajendra Bharti Amid Datia By-Election Allegations

The All India Congress Committee suspended former MLA Rajendra Bharti from the party's primary membership on August 2, 2026. The action occurred one day before the scheduled results of the Datia Assembly by-election, following a written complaint from the Congress candidate, Ghanshyam Singh.

Singh accused Bharti of colluding with the Bharatiya Janata Party and distributing money to voters to undermine the campaign. In response, Bharti denied the allegations and claimed Singh was working with former State Home Minister Narottam Mishra, a BJP member who was denied a ticket for the seat.

The by-election was triggered by Bharti's disqualification in April after a Delhi special court sentenced him to three years in prison for bank fraud. Voting took place on July 30 with a 71.44% turnout, with the official results expected on August 3.