Polling is underway for Assembly by-elections in three politically significant constituencies across Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, with the outcome expected to offer an early indication of the political mood ahead of future electoral battles. Voting is taking place in Bankipur (Bihar), Datia (Madhya Pradesh) and Manjalpur (Gujarat), while counting of votes is scheduled for August 3.
The bypolls have drawn nationwide attention as both the BJP and the Congress seek to strengthen their political footing, while Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor makes his electoral debut in Bihar.
Polling Begins Across Three States
Election officials reported a steady turnout during the opening hours of polling.
Voting Percentage Till 9 AM
- Bankipur (Bihar): 12.94%
- Datia (Madhya Pradesh): 4.61%
- Manjalpur (Gujarat): 6.06%
Polling is continuing under security arrangements, with voters expected to cast their ballots throughout the day.
Bankipur Emerges as High-Profile Contest
The Bankipur bypoll has become the centre of political attention after Prashant Kishor entered the fray from a constituency long regarded as a BJP stronghold.
The seat fell vacant after senior BJP leader Nitin Nabin was elected to the Rajya Sabha. The BJP has fielded Neeraj Kumar Sinha, while the RJD has nominated Rekha Gupta, setting up a triangular contest.
Political observers are closely watching whether Jan Suraaj can translate its public outreach into electoral support, making the result significant beyond the by-election itself.
Straight BJP-Congress Battle in Datia
In Madhya Pradesh’s Datia constituency, the contest has narrowed into a direct fight between the BJP and the Congress.
The bypoll became necessary after Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti lost his Assembly membership following his conviction in a cheating case.
The BJP has nominated Ashutosh Tiwari, while the Congress has fielded Ghanshyam Singh, turning the seat into an important prestige battle for both parties.
Manjalpur Tests BJP’s Hold in Gujarat
In Gujarat, voters are electing a new representative for the Manjalpur Assembly seat following the death of BJP MLA Yogesh Patel.
The BJP has fielded Satish Patel, while the Congress has named senior leader Bhikhabhai Rabari as its candidate.
Both parties mounted an intensive campaign, making the contest one of the closely watched bypolls in the state.
Results May Shape Political Narrative
Although only three Assembly seats are at stake, the by-elections carry considerable political significance.
For the BJP, retaining its traditional bastions in Bihar and Gujarat is crucial, while a victory in Datia would help reclaim a constituency it previously lost. The Congress, meanwhile, is hoping to defend its position in Madhya Pradesh and improve its performance elsewhere.
The Bankipur result will also be viewed as an important indicator of Prashant Kishor’s electoral appeal and the future prospects of the Jan Suraaj movement in Bihar politics.
