Polling is currently taking place for Assembly by-elections in Bankipur, Datia, and Manjalpur, with early voter turnout reported and extensive security measures in place.
New Delhi, India Jul 30, 2026 ALN: Polling is currently underway for Assembly by-elections in three significant constituencies: Bankipur in Bihar, Datia in Madhya Pradesh, and Manjalpur in Gujarat. This election process is taking place under elaborate security arrangements, as election authorities have implemented extensive measures designed to ensure that voting is conducted in a free, fair, and peaceful manner. The counting of votes is scheduled to occur on August 3, a crucial date that will determine the political landscape in these regions.
As per the latest reports from the Election Commission, early voter turnout has been recorded at 12.94 percent in Datia (Madhya Pradesh), 6.06 percent in Manjalpur (Gujarat), and 4.61 percent in Bankipur (Bihar) by 9 a.m. These figures indicate varied levels of voter engagement across the three constituencies, which may reflect both the local political climate and the effectiveness of voter outreach efforts by the respective parties involved.
In the lead-up to the polling day, authorities emphasized that security had been significantly bolstered across all three constituencies. This included the deployment of central paramilitary forces, local police, and election monitors to ensure adherence to the Election Commission’s guidelines. Campaigning for these by-elections concluded on July 28, marking a critical phase in the electoral process where candidates and parties made their final appeals to voters.
The Bankipur Assembly by-election, located in the capital city of Patna, has garnered considerable attention and is regarded as the most closely watched contest among the three. A total of 25 candidates are competing for the seat, but the primary contest is expected to be between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Neeraj Kumar Sinha, the founder of the Jan Suraaj Party Prashant Kishor, and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate Rekha Gupta. This diverse field of candidates reflects the dynamic political landscape in Bihar, where alliances and voter loyalties can shift rapidly.
The necessity for this bypoll arose following the election of former MLA Nitin Nabin to the Rajya Sabha, which resulted in the vacancy of the Assembly seat. In Bankipur, there are approximately 379,616 eligible voters spread across 422 polling stations. To maintain order and security during the voting process, 14 companies of central paramilitary forces have been deployed, alongside extensive surveillance teams and sector officers tasked with monitoring the polling stations.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has actively encouraged voter participation, promoting the slogan “First vote, then refreshments” to motivate constituents to make their voices heard. Notably, prominent BJP leaders, including C.P. Thakur and Vivek Thakur, along with JD(U) MLA Shyam Rajak, were seen exercising their franchise, which underscores the importance of this election for the ruling party.
However, the election process has not been without controversy. The BJP lodged a complaint with the Returning Officer, alleging attempts at bogus voting by workers affiliated with the Jan Suraaj Party. As of now, election authorities have not officially confirmed the details of this allegation, but it highlights the competitive and often contentious nature of electoral politics in Bihar.
In Madhya Pradesh, the Datia Assembly constituency is witnessing a direct contest primarily between the BJP’s Ashutosh Tiwari and veteran Congress leader Kunwar Ghanshyam Singh. This constituency became vacant following the disqualification of Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti, who faced legal repercussions due to his conviction in a bank scam case. The political ramifications of this disqualification have added an extra layer of significance to the bypoll.
Election officials reported that approximately 220,400 voters are eligible to cast their votes at 291 polling stations in Datia. To ensure a secure voting environment, security measures have been heightened, including the deployment of 1,422 personnel from 16 different companies, which includes the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Sensitive polling booths are under additional surveillance, and the entire process is being monitored through live webcasting from the district control room, showcasing the commitment to transparency and security in the electoral process.
With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a rain alert for the region, voters have been advised to prepare for inclement weather by bringing umbrellas or raincoats to polling stations. This weather advisory could potentially impact voter turnout, as adverse conditions often deter participation in elections.
In the Manjalpur Assembly constituency, located in Gujarat’s Vadodara district, the electoral contest is also shaping up to be a significant one, with the BJP fielding Satish Patel against Congress candidate and former minister Bhikhabhai Rabari. This by-election was necessitated by the unfortunate death of long-serving BJP MLA Yogesh Patel, who represented the constituency for an impressive eight terms and also served as the pro tem Speaker of the Gujarat Assembly in 2022.
The constituency boasts a voter base of 219,494, which includes 111,645 men, 107,847 women, and two voters identifying as third gender. Polling is being conducted at 260 polling stations across 62 locations, all of which have been equipped with essential facilities such as ramps, drinking water, electricity, and toilet amenities to ensure accessibility for all voters. Notably, two polling stations are being managed entirely by women, and two others by persons with disabilities, while five have been designated as model polling stations, reflecting an initiative to promote inclusivity in the electoral process.
In an effort to facilitate voter participation, election officials have announced that individuals without an Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) can still cast their votes by presenting one of the 13 alternative identity documents approved by the Election Commission. These include commonly used forms of identification such as Aadhaar cards, passports, PAN cards, driving licenses, and bank passbooks with photographs, among others. This provision is particularly important in enhancing voter accessibility, especially in regions where many may not possess the standard EPIC.
The implications of these by-elections extend beyond the immediate results; they could significantly influence the political dynamics in each state. The outcomes may affect party strategies going forward, particularly as these regions prepare for future elections. Political analysts will be closely monitoring voter turnout and the results to gauge shifts in public sentiment and party strength in these crucial states.
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