Vote Counting Begins for By-Election in Vadodara Amid Tight Security

The counting of votes for the by-election in Vadodara's Manjalpur constituency has commenced under stringent security measures. This election follows the passing of BJP's Yogesh Patel, with a voter turnout of 37.5%. The contest is primarily between the BJP and Congress, with both parties fielding notable candidates. Patel had a long-standing political career, representing the area multiple times. Discover more about the candidates and the significance of this election.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 3, 2026, 10:11 IST

Vote Counting Commences in Vadodara

Vadodara (Gujarat), August 3 - The counting of votes for the by-election in the Manjalpur assembly constituency of Vadodara commenced on Monday morning under strict security measures, as reported by officials. The by-election, held on July 30, recorded a voter turnout of 37.5 percent.

This by-election was necessitated due to the passing of senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator and former Gujarat minister Yogesh Patel, who died on June 2 after a prolonged illness. Following the guidelines set by the Election Commission, the counting began at 8 AM at the Bhavans School premises located in the Makarpura area. The counting of votes stored in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) is being conducted with multi-layered security in place.

The contest in this by-election is primarily between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress party. The BJP has fielded Satish Govindbhai Patel, a former municipal councilor from Vadodara, while Congress has nominated Bhikhabhai Rabari, its Gujarat vice president and former minister. Yogesh Patel had served as an eight-time legislator for the BJP.

From 1990 to 2007, he represented the Rao Pura assembly seat five times before contesting from the newly formed Manjalpur seat after delimitation. He secured victories in the Manjalpur constituency in 2012, 2017, and 2022, marking his eighth consecutive win in Gujarat assembly elections over a span of 36 years.