The results of the Assembly by-elections in Bihar's Bankipur, Madhya Pradesh's Datia, and Gujarat's Manjalpur have reshaped the political narrative in three states, with Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor heading towards a significant maiden electoral victory, the Congress wresting Datia from the BJP, and the BJP comfortably retaining its stronghold in Manjalpur. (Jagran Josh)

Prashant Kishor Nears Breakthrough in Bankipur

In Bihar's high-profile Bankipur Assembly by-election, Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor established a decisive lead over BJP candidate Neeraj Kumar Sinha, signaling what could become the biggest political breakthrough of his career. After multiple rounds of counting, Kishor maintained a margin of over 16,000 votes, while the RJD candidate remained a distant third. (The Economic Times)

The contest carried added political significance as Bankipur had long been regarded as a BJP bastion. The seat fell vacant after former MLA and Bihar BJP president Nitin Nabin moved to the Rajya Sabha.

Reacting to the trend, Kishor thanked voters and said the constituency would witness visible improvements in the coming months, while emphasizing that public trust would remain his government's priority. (The Economic Times)

Congress Reclaims Datia

In Madhya Pradesh, the Congress registered a major victory in the Datia Assembly by-election, with candidate Ghanshyam Singh defeating BJP nominee Ashutosh Tiwari by more than 6,000 votes after the completion of counting. The result marked a setback for the BJP in one of its traditional strongholds. (Jagran Josh)

The election attracted attention because the BJP had replaced former Home Minister Narottam Mishra with Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate. During counting, Congress also managed to secure a lead even at Mishra's own polling booth, highlighting the shift in local voter sentiment. (Navbharat Times)

The performance of the Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) also drew notice after its candidate secured a sizeable vote share, influencing the electoral arithmetic in the constituency. (Navbharat Times)

BJP Holds Manjalpur Seat

In Gujarat's Manjalpur Assembly constituency, the BJP comfortably retained the seat as Satish Govindbhai Pateldefeated Congress candidate Bhikhabhai Rabari by a margin of more than 30,000 votes. The victory reinforced the party's long-standing dominance in the Vadodara constituency. (The Economic Times)

Following the result, BJP workers celebrated outside the counting centre, while Patel credited voters for reposing faith in the party's development agenda.

Lower Voter Turnout Recorded

Polling for all three by-elections was held on 30 July. Compared with the previous Assembly elections, voter turnout declined across the constituencies.

• Datia (MP): 71.44%

• Manjalpur (Gujarat): 37.05%

• Bankipur (Bihar): 34.3%

The lower turnout contrasted with previous Assembly elections in all three constituencies but did not prevent keen political contests. (The Statesman)

Political Significance

The bypoll outcomes carry different implications for each state. Prashant Kishor's expected victory provides Jan Suraajwith its most significant electoral success and strengthens his position ahead of future political battles in Bihar. Congress' win in Datia offers the party a morale boost in Madhya Pradesh, while the BJP's emphatic victory in Manjalpur underscores its continued electoral dominance in Gujarat. (The Economic Times)

Speaking in Patna, Khesari praised Prashant Kishor's vision for Bihar and described him as a leader working with long-term intentions for the state. The actor said people should support individuals who are trying to bring positive change rather than viewing politics only through the lens of traditional party loyalties.

The statement comes as the Bankipur bypoll has evolved into one of Bihar's most closely watched political contests. Prashant Kishor, who founded the Jan Suraaj Party after years as a political strategist, is making his electoral debut from the constituency, challenging the BJP in one of its long-standing strongholds.

Khesari said he believes Bihar deserves leadership that focuses on education, development and opportunities for the younger generation. Referring to Prashant Kishor, he remarked that supporting the "right person" was his responsibility and indicated that Bihar needs politics driven by public welfare rather than personal interests.

The Bhojpuri star also extended support to social activist Sonam Wangchuk's campaign on education-related issues, saying that any movement aimed at securing a better future for children deserves public backing. Alongside his political remarks, Khesari wished RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav a speedy recovery, describing him as a senior leader whose health was a matter of concern for many people in Bihar.

Khesari's endorsement is significant because of his massive popularity across Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Although he has occasionally commented on public issues, his direct backing of a political leader during an election campaign has attracted considerable attention.

Prashant Kishor's decision to contest the Bankipur seat has already intensified political activity in the state. He has described the by-election as an opportunity for voters to assess the performance of the current Bihar government and has urged people to move beyond caste and religion while casting their votes.

The Bankipur contest has become politically important because the constituency has traditionally been regarded as a BJP bastion. Several senior leaders from the BJP have joined the campaign, while Jan Suraaj is attempting to convert the bypoll into a larger political statement ahead of future electoral battles in Bihar.

Khesari Lal Yadav's latest remarks have also revived discussion around his earlier statements about Prashant Kishor. During previous political campaigns, the actor had publicly praised Kishor's political vision and described him as someone committed to Bihar's development, comments that continue to resurface whenever elections approach.

With campaigning gathering pace, endorsements from well-known public figures are expected to remain part of the political conversation. Whether Khesari Lal Yadav's support translates into electoral influence will become clear only after voters cast their ballots, but his intervention has undoubtedly added fresh momentum to an already closely watched by-election in Bihar.

The nomination process for Assembly by-elections in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Bihar has officially begun after the Election Commission of India (ECI) issued the notification on July 6. The bypolls will be held for Datia (Madhya Pradesh), Manjalpur (Gujarat) and Bankipur (Bihar) Assembly constituencies, with polling scheduled for July 30 if required.

According to the Election Commission, candidates can file their nomination papers until July 13, while scrutiny of nominations will take place on July 14. The last date for withdrawal of candidature has been fixed as July 16. Counting of votes will be conducted on August 3, and the entire election process is scheduled to be completed by August 4.

Bypoll Schedule Announced

The Election Commission has released the following schedule for the three Assembly constituencies:

Notification Issued: July 6, 2026

Last Date for Filing Nominations: July 13, 2026

Scrutiny of Nominations: July 14, 2026

Last Date for Withdrawal of Candidature: July 16, 2026

Polling (if required): July 30, 2026 (7:00 AM to 6:00 PM)

Counting of Votes: August 3, 2026 (from 8:00 AM onwards)

Completion of Election Process: August 4, 2026

Paid Leave for Voters

The Election Commission has directed the concerned state governments to ensure strict compliance with provisions related to paid leave for eligible voters.

Under Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, every employee working in any business establishment, industrial unit, commercial organisation or other institution who is eligible to vote in the by-election must be granted paid leave on polling day without any deduction in wages.

The provision also applies to daily wage earners and casual workers. Employers violating these provisions may face penalties under the law.

The Commission further clarified that voters registered in the concerned Assembly constituencies but working outside their constituency in industrial or commercial establishments will also be entitled to paid leave so they can exercise their franchise.

Dry Days Announced

The Election Commission has also instructed the respective state governments to enforce dry days in accordance with Section 135C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

No sale, distribution or serving of liquor will be permitted in the polling areas during the 48 hours preceding the close of polling. The restriction will also apply in the event of repoll, if required.

Additionally, August 3, the day of vote counting, will also be observed as a dry day in the concerned constituencies.

The Commission has directed state authorities to ensure strict implementation of these statutory provisions to facilitate free, fair and peaceful elections.