Polling underway for Assembly Bypolls in Bihar,MP and Gujarat

Polling for the Assembly by-elections in Bankipur (Bihar), Datia (Madhya Pradesh) and Manjalpur (Gujarat) is underway on Thursday amid tight security, with election authorities reporting steady voter participation during the first half of the day. Counting of votes is scheduled for August 3.According to the Election Commission, Datia recorded the highest voter turnout among the three constituencies, with 32.53 per cent polling recorded till 11 a.m. Manjalpur in Gujarat registered 14.27 per cent turnout, while Bankipur in Bihar reported 11.50 per cent voting during the same period.Authorities said elaborate security arrangements had been put in place across all three constituencies to ensure free, fair and peaceful polling in accordance with the Election Commission's guidelines. Campaigning for the bypolls concluded on July 28.

11.50% approximate voter turnout recorded in Bankipur Assembly Bye-Election.

14.24% approximate voter turnout recorded in Manjalpur Assembly Bye-Election.

32.53% approximate voter turnout recorded in Datia Assembly Bye-Election. pic.twitter.com/mgq04vZsE5

— ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2026

Bankipur Witnesses High-Profile Three-Cornered Contest
The Bankipur Assembly by-election in Patna has emerged as the most closely watched contest, with 25 candidates in the fray.The main battle is between BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar Sinha, Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor and RJD nominee Rekha Gupta.The bypoll was necessitated after former MLA Nitin Nabin was elected to the Rajya Sabha, vacating the Assembly seat.A total of 3,79,616 voters are eligible to cast their votes across 422 polling stations. Election authorities have deployed 14 companies of central paramilitary forces, along with sector officers and surveillance teams, to maintain law and order.Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary appealed to voters to participate enthusiastically, giving the slogan, "First vote, then refreshments." Senior BJP leaders C.P. Thakur and Vivek Thakur, along with JD(U) MLA Shyam Rajak, were among those who exercised their franchise.
Meanwhile, the BJP lodged a complaint with the Returning Officer, alleging attempts at bogus voting by Jan Suraaj workers. Election authorities have not officially confirmed the allegation,according to sources.

Direct BJP-Congress Battle in Datia
In Madhya Pradesh's Datia Assembly constituency, BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari is locked in a direct contest against Congress veteran Kunwar Ghanshyam Singh.The by-election was necessitated after Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti was disqualified following his conviction in a bank scam case.The constituency has 2,20,400 eligible voters, who are casting their ballots at 291 polling stations.Security has been strengthened with the deployment of 1,422 personnel from 16 companies, including the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Sensitive polling stations are under enhanced surveillance, while voting is being monitored through live webcasting from the district control room.With the India Meteorological Department issuing a rain alert for the region, officials advised voters to carry umbrellas or raincoats while visiting polling stations.
Manjalpur Votes Amid Tight Security
In Gujarat's Manjalpur Assembly constituency, BJP has fielded Satish Patel against Congress candidate and former minister Bhikhabhai Rabari.The bypoll was necessitated following the death of veteran BJP MLA Yogesh Patel, who represented the constituency for eight terms and also served as the Gujarat Assembly's pro tem Speaker in 2022.The constituency has 2,19,494 eligible voters, including 1,11,645 men, 1,07,847 women and two third-gender voters.
Polling is being conducted at 260 polling stations spread across 62 locations. All polling stations have been equipped with ramps, drinking water, electricity and toilet facilities to facilitate voters.Election officials said two polling stations are being managed entirely by women, while two are operated by persons with disabilities. Five booths have been designated as model polling stations, with live webcasting and CCTV surveillance in place across all polling centres.Officials also reminded voters that those without an Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) can cast their vote by producing any of the 13 alternative identity documents approved by the Election Commission, including Aadhaar, passport, PAN card, driving licence and bank passbooks with photographs.Polling will continue until the scheduled closing time, with election authorities expecting voter turnout to pick up later in the day. Counting of votes for all three Assembly by-elections will be held on August 3.