Assembly By-Elections Commence in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat

Polling has officially started for the Assembly by-elections in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, with significant security measures implemented to ensure a smooth process. The elections follow a competitive campaign period, with notable candidates from various parties vying for the vacant seats. In Bankipur, the contest features BJP's Neeraj Kumar Sinha and RJD's Rekha Gupta, while Madhya Pradesh sees Ashutosh Tiwari from the BJP and veteran Kunwar Ghanshyam Singh from Congress. In Gujarat's Manjalpur, the election follows the passing of long-serving MLA Yogesh Patel. Stay tuned for updates on these crucial elections.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 30, 2026, 11:32 IST

Polling Begins Under Tight Security

Representational Image

New Delhi, July 30: Voting for the Assembly by-elections in Bankipur, Bihar; Datia, Madhya Pradesh; and Manjalpur, Gujarat commenced on Thursday, accompanied by stringent security measures.

The Election Commission, along with local authorities, has implemented comprehensive strategies to facilitate a smooth and peaceful voting experience.

Prior to the elections, officials ensured the distribution of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and other essential materials to polling staff from designated centers. The polling teams then departed for their respective booths, equipped with the necessary tools for the voting process.

Officials confirmed that all preparations were finalized to guarantee free, fair, and transparent elections. Security has been heightened across all three constituencies, with polling conducted in line with the Election Commission's directives.

The campaigning for these significant by-elections wrapped up on July 28, with political parties making a final effort to attract voters through rallies, roadshows, and extensive outreach initiatives.

In the Bankipur Assembly constituency of Bihar, located in Patna's urban area, the contest has garnered significant attention. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated Neeraj Kumar Sinha, a leader from its youth wing, while the Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) has put forward political strategist Prashant Kishor.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is also in the race with Rekha Gupta as its candidate, leading to an exciting three-way contest.

This bypoll in Bankipur was called after Nitin Nabin, a five-time MLA and BJP national president, was elected to the Rajya Sabha in April, leaving the Assembly seat vacant.

In Madhya Pradesh's Datia constituency, the BJP has nominated Ashutosh Tiwari, who is contesting his first Assembly election, while the Congress has fielded veteran Kunwar Ghanshyam Singh, who is running for the seventh time.

The Datia Assembly seat became vacant on April 2 after Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti was disqualified under Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, following his conviction in a bank scam.

In Gujarat's Manjalpur constituency, polling is also taking place after the seat became vacant due to the passing of senior BJP MLA Yogesh Patel.

Patel, a seasoned legislator, had served in the Assembly since 1990, initially from Raopura and later from Manjalpur, winning eight terms. He also held the position of pro tem Speaker of the Gujarat Assembly in 2022 and served as Minister of State during his career.

For the Manjalpur bypoll, the BJP has nominated Satish Patel, while the Congress has put forward former minister Bhikhabhai Rabari, setting the stage for a direct contest between the two parties.