Assembly Bypolls 2026: Voting Underway In Bankipur, Datia And Manjalpur; Turnout Reaches 16.05% In MP Seat

Gen Z Protest Impacting Elections? Prashant Kishor Says Bankipur Bypoll Win Signals Political Shift

Ayesha Fatima — Tue, 4 Aug 2026 09:05:43 +0530

After winning the Bankipur Assembly bypoll in Bihar, Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor described the result as a sign of political change in the state. He also suggested that the atmosphere created by recent Gen Z student protests across the country may have influenced the election outcome.

Speaking to reporters after the results were announced, Kishor said the broader political environment shaped by the student movements could have had an impact on voters. However, he acknowledged that the low voter turnout made it difficult to draw any firm conclusions.

According to Kishor, less than 35% of voters cast their ballots in the bypoll, making it impossible to say whether young voters turned out in large numbers to secure his victory.

ALSO READ | Bankipur Bypoll: 5 Reasons Behind BJP's Defeat And Prashant Kishor's Win

Prashant Kishor Links Win to Gen Z Protest Mood

"Gen Z movements may have influenced the election result, but there is no concrete data to show that young people voted in large numbers. Unfortunately, that is the reality," Kishor said.

While pointing to the national mood created by student protests, he stressed that the available voting data did not support any definitive conclusion about youth participation in the election.

His remarks came shortly after Jan Suraaj secured the Bankipur bypoll, which he described as an important political development for Bihar.

ALSO READ | Datia Bypoll Result: Congress' Ghanshyam Singh Defeats BJP's Ashutosh Tiwari

'Alliance Only With the People of Bihar'

Kishor ruled out the possibility of joining any political alliance, saying Jan Suraaj would remain independent.

"We will not become part of any alliance. Our only alliance will be with the people of Bihar. The people of Bankipur chose us over established political parties," he said.

He also thanked both Jan Suraaj workers and those who supported his campaign despite belonging to other political parties.

Claims Support Across Party Lines

Kishor said several supporters from the BJP, Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) backed him because they were dissatisfied with the current state of their respective parties.

"I thank not only my active supporters but also those who are not associated with Jan Suraaj and still supported me in the bypoll. Many people from the BJP, Congress and RJD, unhappy with the situation in their own parties, stood by me," he said.

Calling the result primarily a mandate against Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Kishor said he had no personal animosity towards him. However, he claimed that many educated people in Bihar did not favour the chief minister because of his criminal cases and what he described as a lack of qualifications.

Kishor also said the Bankipur bypoll result should serve as a warning for the BJP leadership and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He added that if Samrat Choudhary had been made chief minister on the basis of caste equations, the party should instead choose another leader from the same community with a clean image.

'Unexpected Verdict': Nitin Nabin Reacts To Prashant Kishor's Bankipur Victory

Vinita Bhat — Mon, 3 Aug 2026 23:23:56 +0530

BJP president Nitin Nabin has accepted the outcome of the recent Assembly by-elections, thanking voters in Gujarat for backing the party while admitting it fell short in Bihar's Bankipur and Madhya Pradesh's Datia. He said the BJP would carry out a detailed review of both defeats and return to the people with renewed commitment to strengthen public trust.

'BJP Accepts Verdict'

Responding to the bypoll results, Nitin Nabin said the BJP respected the people's mandate in all three constituencies.

In a post on X, he thanked voters in Gujarat's Manjalpur Assembly seat for once again placing their faith in the BJP. He also congratulated party workers and office-bearers for securing the victory.

आज तीन विधानसभा उपचुनावों में आए जनादेश को हम स्वीकार करते हैं।

गुजरात की मांजलपुर विधानसभा में भारतीय जनता पार्टी पर अपना विश्वास व्यक्त करने के लिए वहाँ की जनता का हृदय से आभार। इस विजय के लिए भाजपा के सभी समर्पित कार्यकर्ताओं एवं पदाधिकारियों को हार्दिक बधाई।

बांकीपुर और…
— Nitin Nabin (@NitinNabin) August 3, 2026

However, Nabin acknowledged that the BJP had failed to secure the expected mandate in Bankipur and Datia. He said the party would conduct a serious introspection into both defeats and continue working among the people with fresh energy and determination.

Bankipur Delivers Surprise

The Bankipur bypoll in Bihar produced the biggest political surprise of the three contests. Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor defeated BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar Sinha by 19,324 votes, ending the BJP's three-decade hold over the constituency.

The seat had fallen vacant after Nitin Nabin resigned upon his election to the Rajya Sabha. Since 1995, Bankipur had been regarded as one of the BJP's strongest urban constituencies, with Nabin representing it from 2006 until this year's vacancy.

Kishor's victory also marks his maiden electoral success and his entry into the Bihar Assembly.

Also Read: Bankipur Bypoll: 5 Reasons Behind BJP's Defeat And Prashant Kishor's Win

Mixed Fortunes For BJP

While the BJP suffered setbacks in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, it retained the Manjalpur Assembly seat in Gujarat.

BJP candidate Satish Patel defeated Congress nominee Bhikha Rabari, securing 55,481 votes against the Congress candidate's 24,851 votes, further reinforcing the party's dominance in Vadodara.

In Datia, however, the Congress emerged victorious, with Ghanshyam Singh defeating BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari by more than 6,000 votes. The result marked the Congress's second consecutive victory in the constituency and dealt another blow to the BJP.

The bypoll results have left the BJP celebrating a comfortable win in Gujarat while prompting introspection over unexpected defeats in Bankipur and Datia.

Also Read: Prashant Kishor Calls Bankipur Verdict 'Wake-Up Call' For Bihar Politics

Prashant Kishor Calls Bankipur Verdict 'Wake-Up Call' For Bihar Politics

Vinita Bhat — Mon, 3 Aug 2026 19:00:20 +0530

After winning the Bankipur Assembly bypoll, Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor said his doors would remain open to every person in Bihar seeking help. He said the party would continue to raise issues affecting the state's people with greater force in the Assembly. Calling the result a "wake-up call" for aspiring politicians, Kishor said the Bankipur verdict had proved that Bihar's politics can move beyond caste and the state's traditional political divides.

VIDEO | Bankipur Bypoll: Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor leads by over 19,000 votes after 32 rounds of counting.

Prashant Kishor (@PrashantKishor ) says, "My doors are open not only to the people of Bankipur but to every individual across Bihar who believes that… pic.twitter.com/tQbkxtRrKR
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 3, 2026

'A Verdict On Bihar's Leadership'

Congratulating both his supporters and political rivals, Prashant Kishor said the Bankipur bypoll was about more than electing an MLA. Describing the result as a verdict on the BJP-NDA government in Bihar, he said voters had sent a message to the party's central leadership to reconsider the state's leadership. Kishor added that, in the interest of Bihar, the BJP should entrust the state's leadership to "a good person."

Also Read: Bankipur Bypoll: 5 Reasons Behind BJP's Defeat And Prashant Kishor's Win

#WATCH | Patna | As he inches towards victory in the Bankipur Assembly election, Jan Suraaj Chief Prashant Kishor says, "...I am also congratulating those who lost the election. This is a democracy; there are wins and losses in elections. But the Bankipur election was not an… pic.twitter.com/TtD4hvBiTF
— ANI (@ANI) August 3, 2026

Kishor's Breakthrough Win

Prashant Kishor of the Jan Suraaj Party has won the Bankipur Assembly bypoll, marking his maiden electoral victory and delivering a major boost to his fledgling political outfit. Kishor defeated BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar by 18,953 votes, while RJD's Rekha Gupta finished a distant third, according to the Election Commission's final results after all 31 rounds of counting.

Also Read: Bankipur Bypoll Result: Prashant Kishor Clinches Maiden Electoral Victory

Datia Bypoll Result: Congress' Ghanshyam Singh Defeats BJP's Ashutosh Tiwari

ABP Live News — Mon, 3 Aug 2026 18:17:06 +0530

The BJP's defeat in the Datia Assembly by-election has sparked speculation that former Madhya Pradesh minister Narottam Mishra was responsible for the party's loss. However, a closer look at the electoral history and campaign suggests the claim may not hold up. Mishra actively campaigned for BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari, while several other political and electoral factors appear to have played a more significant role in the outcome.

Mishra's Own Record

Narottam Mishra represented Datia after the constituency was created following the 2008 delimitation and won three consecutive Assembly elections before losing in 2023. However, his victories were never by overwhelming margins.

In the 2008 Assembly election, Mishra defeated BSP candidate Rajendra Bharti by 11,233 votes. Five years later, he again beat Congress's Rajendra Bharti, this time by 11,697 votes. His margin narrowed sharply in 2018, when he retained the seat by just 2,656 votes. In 2023, Rajendra Bharti defeated Mishra by 7,742 votes.

Supporters of Mishra argue that if his influence had become a liability, he would not have narrowly won elections for years before eventually losing the seat himself in 2023.

Also Read: Bankipur Bypoll Result: Prashant Kishor Clinches Maiden Electoral Victory

Other Factors At Play

Another major factor was the role of former Congress leader Rajendra Bharti. Congress candidate Ghanshyam Singh alleged after polling that Bharti had been in touch with the BJP and that his actions hurt the Congress campaign. At the same time, some of Bharti's supporters are believed to have voted for the BJP. Congress suspended Bharti from the party on August 2, even before the results were declared.

Despite missing out on the BJP ticket, Narottam Mishra remained active throughout the campaign. He repeatedly appealed to his supporters to back Ashutosh Tiwari and publicly stated that Tiwari was not responsible for his exclusion from the contest. Mishra also urged party workers to remain united.

Congress Candidate Had Local Advantage

Congress candidate Ghanshyam Singh entered the bypoll with significant political experience, having served as a two-time MLA. The Congress had also won the Datia seat in the 2023 Assembly election, giving the party an organisational advantage.

Although the BJP deployed several senior leaders during the campaign, it was unable to convert that effort into votes. The combination of local political dynamics, the Congress's existing support base and anti-incumbency appears to have contributed more to the BJP's defeat than any single individual.

Also Read: Gujarat Bypoll Results: BJP Holds Manjalpur, Congress Falls Short

Bankipur Bypoll: 5 Reasons Behind BJP's Defeat And Prashant Kishor's Win

Sneha — Mon, 3 Aug 2026 18:09:53 +0530

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor not only won his maiden election but also pulled off a major upset by defeating the BJP in its traditional stronghold of Bankipur, sending a significant political message across Bihar and beyond.

Vote counting continued for 31 rounds, with Kishor maintaining his lead throughout. He eventually defeated BJP candidate Neeraj Sinha by 18,953 votes. RJD candidate Rekha Gupta finished a distant third.

Bankipur Bypoll Result

Prashant Kishor (Jan Suraaj): 63,203 votes
Neeraj Sinha (BJP): 44,250 votes
Rekha Gupta (RJD): 14,085 votes

Also Read: 'People Want Good, Capable And Upright CM': Prashant Kishor's Dig At Samrat Chaudhary

Five Reasons Behind Prashant Kishor's Victory

1. Early Ground Campaign After Seat Fell Vacant

Bankipur was represented by BJP leader Nitin Nabin before he resigned to enter the Rajya Sabha. Soon after the seat fell vacant, Prashant Kishor intensified his outreach in the constituency, engaging directly with residents, raising awareness about citizens' rights, and focusing on local issues. His sustained grassroots campaign, particularly among young voters, is considered one of the key reasons behind his victory.

2. Strong Support From Young Voters

Kishor is believed to have secured overwhelming support from younger voters, with the NEET-related protests also seen as boosting his appeal.

According to local assessments, voters above the age of 40 largely remained with the BJP, while younger voters backed Jan Suraaj. In many households, younger family members reportedly voted for Kishor, whereas older members preferred the BJP.

3. Discontent Over Samrat Chaudhary's Leadership

Another significant factor was the reported dissatisfaction with Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary.

According to the report, many sections, particularly young voters, were unhappy with his leadership. It also claims that sections of Bhumihar, Kurmi and other communities had expressed dissatisfaction after Chaudhary became Chief Minister following Nitish Kumar. This sentiment is believed to have influenced the bypoll outcome, with reports suggesting that nearly 50 per cent of Kurmi votes went to Prashant Kishor.

Also read: 'Will Emperor Show His Degree?': Abhijeet Dipke's Fresh Swipe At BJP Over RTI Row

4. Lower Overall Turnout Favoured Jan Suraaj

Compared to the 2025 Bihar Assembly election, voter turnout in the bypoll was around seven percentage points lower.

However, youth participation was reportedly higher, while turnout among middle-aged and elderly voters declined. The report suggests this voting pattern worked in Kishor's favour.

5. Cross-Community Support Helped Secure Victory

The report claims that Prashant Kishor received support across multiple communities and succeeded in making inroads into the NDA's traditional voter base.

It further alleges that the RJD's core Muslim vote also witnessed a split, with around 65-70 per cent of Muslim votes reportedly going to Kishor. The report also claims that he received support from Yadav voters, particularly younger members of the community, with around 30 per cent of young Yadav voters backing Jan Suraaj.

Bankipur Bypoll Result: Prashant Kishor Clinches Maiden Electoral Victory

Vinita Bhat — Mon, 3 Aug 2026 17:32:07 +0530

Prashant Kishor of the Jan Suraaj Party has won the Bankipur Assembly bypoll, securing 63,203 votes and defeating BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar, who polled 44,250 votes, by a margin of 18,953 votes. RJD candidate Rekha Kumari finished third with 14,085 votes, according to the Election Commission's final results after all 31 rounds of counting.

Prashant Kishor (Jan Suraaj Party): 63,203 votes
Neeraj Sinha (Bharatiya Janata Party): 44,250 votes
Rekha Gupta (Rashtriya Janata Dal): 14,085 votes

Party Hails 'New Beginning'

Jan Suraaj Party leaders described Prashant Kishor's Bankipur bypoll victory as a defining moment for the fledgling outfit. State party president Manoj Bharti, a former bureaucrat-turned-politician, said the result marked the start of "a golden age" for the party.

"In a democracy, the will of the people is supreme. The verdict sends a message to parties and leaders who arrogantly treat constituencies as their personal fiefdoms," Bharti said.

Meanwhile, RJD candidate Rekha Gupta, who had also lost to former BJP MLA Nitin Nabin in the 2025 Assembly election, finished a distant third in the bypoll.

BJP Left Reeling

The mood in the BJP camp shifted dramatically as the results unfolded. Party workers, who had gathered at a sweet shop in Patna in the morning to collect around 200 kg of laddoos in anticipation of victory, were left stunned as Prashant Kishor steadily widened his lead.

Kishor, who had chosen not to contest the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, entered the Bankipur bypoll describing it as a referendum on the BJP-led government in Bihar. During the campaign, he claimed that a victory would put pressure on Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, the BJP's first Chief Minister in the state, to step down.

Also Read: Gujarat Bypoll Results: BJP Holds Manjalpur, Congress Falls Short

Opposition Sees Wider Message

Kishor's victory drew praise beyond his own party, with several opposition leaders describing it as a setback for the BJP. Janshakti Janata Dal president Tej Pratap Yadav and CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya both hailed the outcome as a significant political message.

Polling for the by-election took place on July 30 after an intense campaign in which both the BJP and Jan Suraaj accused each other of electoral malpractice and approached the Election Commission with complaints.

Veteran socialist leader Shivanand Tiwary said the result reflected broader public dissatisfaction with the BJP, which had also been visible during the recent student protests.

"The Bankipur verdict must be seen in the context of the wider discontent against the BJP. At the same time, Prashant Kishor deserves credit for the energy and organisational skills he displayed throughout the campaign," Tiwary said.

Also Read: Prashant Kishor Surges Ahead In Bankipur, Jan Suraaj Eyes Breakthrough Victory

'People Want Good, Capable And Upright CM': Prashant Kishor's sharp Dig At Samrat Chaudhary

Sneha — Mon, 3 Aug 2026 17:15:40 +0530

Party chief Prashant Kishor launched a blistering attack on Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, saying the BJP should appoint a "capable and upright" leader as the state's Chief Minister if it wants Bihar to progress.

Addressing reporters, Kishor said the verdict was not just about electing an MLA but a clear message from the people to the BJP's central leadership. "The people of Bankipur have sent a clear message to the BJP leadership: 'Please appoint a good person as the Chief Minister of Bihar.' If the BJP wants to replace Samrat Chaudhary with another leader from the Kushwaha community, that is entirely their decision. We have no objection. But whoever is chosen should be a capable and upright person from the Kushwaha community," he said.

#WATCH | Patna | As he continues his lead in the Bankipur bypoll, Jan Suraaj Chief Prashant Kishor says, "Our first priority after this victory is to honour the blessings and trust that the people of Bankipur have placed in us. We will do everything we can to improve Bankipur.… pic.twitter.com/eNTKiSeIUI
— ANI (@ANI) August 3, 2026

Stepping up his attack, Kishor questioned Samrat Chaudhary's suitability for the top post, alleging that Bihar could not move forward under a leader with a "criminal background." "Samrat Chaudhary's character and reputation are already in the public domain. If you make a person with a criminal background the Chief Minister of Bihar, Bihar cannot progress," he said.

#WATCH | Patna | As he continues his lead in the Bankipur bypoll, Jan Suraaj Chief Prashant Kishor says, "Samrat Chaudhary's character and reputation are already in the public domain. If you make a person with a criminal background the Chief Minister of Bihar, Bihar cannot… pic.twitter.com/2PM5ZtK3sV
— ANI (@ANI) August 3, 2026

Kishor clarified that his criticism was not aimed at the BJP as a party and acknowledged that the NDA had the mandate to choose Bihar's next Chief Minister.

Also read: 'Will Emperor Show His Degree?': Abhijeet Dipke's Fresh Swipe At BJP Over RTI Row

PK Calls Bypoll verdict 'Victory Of People'

Calling the bypoll verdict "the victory of the people of Bankipur", Kishor said voters wanted better governance, quality education, employment opportunities and an end to migration.

While promising development rather than making sweeping claims, Kishor said residents of Bankipur would begin seeing improvements within the next two to three months.

"Our first priority after this victory is to honour the trust the people of Bankipur have placed in us. I don't want to make grand promises. My becoming an MLA will not transform Bankipur into Bengaluru overnight. But you will certainly see some improvements here in the next two to three months."

Kishor said Jan Suraaj's focus was not on power or contracts but on transforming Bihar through better leadership, jobs and education.

Also Read: Prashant Kishor Surges Ahead In Bankipur, Crosses 40,000 Votes

Bankipur Bypoll Verdict

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has won the election after getting 63,203 votes. and defeating BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar, who polled 44,250 votes, by a margin of 18,953 votes. RJD candidate Rekha Kumari finished third with 14,085 votes, according to the Election Commission's final results after all 31 rounds of counting.

The Bankipur assembly by-election was held after former MLA Nitin Nabin resigned from the seat. The contest turned into a three-cornered fight involving the BJP, Jan Suraaj Party and the RJD. Voting took place on July 30, 2026.

Gujarat Bypoll Results: BJP Holds Manjalpur, Congress Falls Short

Vinita Bhat — Mon, 3 Aug 2026 16:38:59 +0530

BJP has retained the Manjalpur Assembly seat in Gujarat's Vadodara district after its candidate, Satish Patel, defeated Congress nominee Bhikhabhai Rabari by a margin of more than 30,000 votes. The by-election, held on July 30, was necessitated by the death of senior BJP MLA and former Gujarat minister Yogesh Patel. With the result, the BJP has further strengthened its position in the 182-member Gujarat Assembly.

Comfortable Win

According to the Election Commission, Satish Patel secured 55,481 votes, while Congress candidate Bhikhabhai Rabari received 24,851 votes, giving the BJP a winning margin of 30,630 votes after all 20 rounds of counting.

Counting began at 8 am at Bhavan's School in Vadodara's Makarpura area under tight security arrangements. The bypoll recorded a voter turnout of 37.5 per cent.

The contest was a direct fight between the BJP and the Congress, with only the two candidates in the fray. The BJP fielded former Vadodara Municipal Corporation councillor Satish Govindbhai Patel, while the Congress nominated its Gujarat vice-president and former minister Bhikhabhai Rabari.

Also Read: Prashant Kishor Surges Ahead In Bankipur, Jan Suraaj Eyes Breakthrough Victory

Assembly Numbers

The by-election was held following the death of veteran BJP legislator Yogesh Patel on June 2 after a prolonged illness, leaving the Manjalpur seat vacant.

With Satish Patel's victory, the BJP's tally in the 182-member Gujarat Assembly has increased to 162 seats. The Congress now holds 12 seats, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has five MLAs. The remaining members include two Independents and one Samajwadi Party MLA.

The result further consolidates the BJP's dominance in Gujarat, where the party continues to enjoy an overwhelming majority in the state legislature.

Also Read: Supreme Court On NEET Protests: No Relief For Those With Criminal Backgrounds

Bankipur Bypoll Result: Prashant Kishor Takes Early Lead Over BJP In Electoral Debut

Ayesha Fatima — Mon, 3 Aug 2026 09:08:31 +0530

Bankipur bypoll result: The Bankipur Assembly by-election is under close watch as counting of votes got underway on Monday in one of Bihar's most closely followed electoral contests. Although the result will not change the balance of power in the 243-member Assembly, it is expected to carry significant political weight.

According to the first round of counting trends, Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor has taken an early lead in his electoral debut. Kishor secured 2,220 votes, while BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar Sinha polled 1,393 votes. RJD candidate Rekha Kumari Gupta trailed with 501 votes.

The contest has attracted national attention as it is widely seen as a crucial test of Prashant Kishor's political ambitions and Jan Suraaj's ability to convert public support into electoral success.

ALSO READ | Prashant Kishor Alleges Bihar Police Detained Jan Suraaj Workers Amid Bankipur Bypoll

High-Stakes Contest In BJP's Turf

The spotlight remains firmly on Prashant Kishor, who is taking on the BJP in a constituency the party has held for nearly three decades.

BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar Sinha is aiming to retain the seat after former MLA Nitin Nabin vacated the constituency following his election to the Rajya Sabha.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has fielded Rekha Kumari Gupta, making the by-election a closely watched triangular contest.

Counting Underway Amid Tight Security

Counting of votes began at 8 am at AN College in Patna, where the fate of 25 candidates will be decided.

Authorities have deployed around 100 security personnel in three shifts, with one Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) overseeing security during each shift.

Only authorised officials, counting staff, candidates and their authorised representatives have been allowed inside the counting centre.

ALSO READ | Bankipur Bypoll: 11.5% Voter Turnout Till 11 AM As Prashant Kishor Makes Electoral Debut

Kishor Raises Concerns Over Police Action

Ahead of the counting, Prashant Kishor once again questioned police action during the election period.

Addressing a press conference on Sunday, he alleged that Jan Suraaj workers were detained at several locations, including Naubatpur, Fatuha and Kankarbagh, without being informed of the reasons.

Kishor also claimed that several detentions were carried out by personnel in plain clothes. According to him, 18 people were detained, including four from the Jakkanpur police station area. He specifically referred to 90-year-old Feku Paswan, who was later released, while action was taken against the remaining detainees.

Assembly Bypolls 2026: Voting Underway In Bankipur, Datia And Manjalpur; Turnout Reaches 16.05% In MP Seat

Ayesha Fatima — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 11:42:08 +0530

Polling for Assembly by-elections in Bihar's Bankipur, Madhya Pradesh's Datia and Gujarat's Manjalpur constituencies began on Thursday amid elaborate security arrangements, with voters turning out early to cast their ballots.

In Bihar, around 4.6 per cent of the nearly 3.8 lakh electorate had exercised their franchise in the first two hours of polling, an election official said. In Madhya Pradesh's Datia, voter turnout reached 16.05 per cent by 9 am.

The Election Commission and local administrations have deployed extensive security personnel and made elaborate logistical arrangements to ensure free, fair and peaceful polling across all three constituencies.

Polling Begins After Extensive Preparations

Ahead of polling, election officials supervised the distribution of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and other election materials to polling personnel from designated distribution centres.

Polling teams subsequently left for their respective booths carrying the required equipment to facilitate voting.

Authorities said all preparations had been completed in accordance with Election Commission guidelines, with enhanced security deployed across the three constituencies to ensure a smooth electoral process.

ALSO READ | Prashant Kishor Alleges Bihar Police Detained Jan Suraaj Workers Amid Bankipur Bypoll

Campaigning Ended On July 28

Campaigning for the high-profile by-elections concluded on July 28 after days of rallies, roadshows and public outreach programmes by major political parties seeking to mobilise voters.

The three contests are being closely watched as they test the electoral strength of key political players in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

Results are expected to provide an indication of the political mood in the respective states ahead of future electoral battles.

Bankipur Sees High-Profile Three-Cornered Contest

The Bankipur Assembly constituency in Patna has emerged as the most closely watched contest among the three bypolls.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded its youth wing leader Neeraj Kumar Sinha, while the Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) has nominated political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has fielded Rekha Gupta, setting up a three-way contest.

The by-election became necessary after five-time MLA and BJP national president Nitin Nabin was elected to the Rajya Sabha in April, vacating the Assembly seat.

ALSO READ | 'I Will Take Responsibility': CRPF Chief Defends Force Amid Pellet Gun Row At July 20 Protest

Datia Votes After Congress MLA's Disqualification

In Madhya Pradesh's Datia constituency, the BJP has nominated first-time Assembly candidate Ashutosh Tiwari.

The Congress has once again fielded veteran leader Kunwar Ghanshyam Singh, who is contesting from the constituency for the seventh time.

The bypoll was necessitated after Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti was disqualified on April 2 under Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, read with Article 191(1)(e) of the Constitution, following his conviction in a bank scam case.

Manjalpur Poll Triggered By BJP MLA's Death

Voting is also underway in Gujarat's Manjalpur Assembly constituency, where the bypoll was necessitated by the death of senior BJP MLA Yogesh Patel.

Patel represented the Assembly for eight terms, first from Raopura and later from Manjalpur. He also served as the pro tem Speaker of the Gujarat Assembly in 2022 and held the post of Minister of State during his political career.

The BJP has fielded Satish Patel, while the Congress has nominated former minister Bhikhabhai Rabari, resulting in a direct contest between the two parties.