Archive · 3 Aug 2026
Bihar, MP, Gujarat Bypolls: Counting Begins, Prashant Kishor Eyes Bankipur
Three places in India had special elections because some seats became empty.
In Bihar, a new politician named Prashant Kishor ran for the first time against the big party BJP and another party RJD.
In Madhya Pradesh, a former Congress member was kicked out, so the seat was up for grabs and many people voted.
In Gujarat, a long‑time BJP member died, so the seat was contested by BJP and Congress again.
The votes are being counted now, and the results will show how strong each party is before the next big elections in 2028.
Vote counting started Aug 3 for by-elections in Bankipur, Datia, and Manjalpur.
Bankipur bypoll features debutant Prashant Kishor of Jan Suraaj Party against BJP and RJD; turnout 34.3%.
Datia bypoll, triggered by disqualification of Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti, had 71.4% turnout with BJP's Ashutosh Tiwari vs Congress's Ghanshyam Singh.
Manjalpur bypoll, caused by death of BJP MLA Yogesh Patel, saw 37.5% turnout with BJP's Satish Patel vs Congress's Bhikhabhai Rabari.
Results are seen as a test for ruling BJP and opposition parties ahead of the 2028 state elections.
- Who
- Prashant Kishor, BJP, RJD, Congress, key candidates
- What
- Vote counting for by-elections in Bankipur, Datia, and Manjalpur
- When
- Elections held July 30, 2024; counting began August 3, 2024
- Where
- Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat
- Why
- To fill vacant seats and test party strength ahead of 2028 elections
- Election Date
- July 30, 2024
- Counting Start
- August 3, 2024
- Bankipur Turnout
- 34.3%
- Datia Turnout
- 71.4%
- Manjalpur Turnout
- 37.5%
- Bankipur Candidate
- Prashant Kishor (Jan Suraaj Party)
- Datia Candidate
- Ashutosh Tiwari (BJP)
- Manjalpur Candidate
- Satish Patel (BJP)
