Assembly by-election counting has produced contrasting political signals across Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. The biggest headline comes from Bihar’s Bankipur, where Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor is leading by nearly 9,000 votes after 16 rounds, putting him on course for his first electoral victory. A win would also give Jan Suraaj its maiden Assembly seat and end the BJP’s three-decade hold over the constituency. The bypoll was held after BJP leader Nitin Nabin resigned following his election to the Rajya Sabha.
In Datia, Madhya Pradesh, the Congress has maintained a comfortable lead, with candidate Ghanshyam Singh ahead by more than 6,500 votes after eight rounds. Political observers believe the result could influence the broader political narrative in the state.
Meanwhile, Manjalpur, Gujarat, appears set to remain with the BJP. Candidate Satish Patel has built a commanding lead of over 30,000 votes against Congress rival Bhikhabhai Rabari, with only the final round of counting remaining.
While final results are awaited, the bypolls have highlighted three distinct electoral stories, with Bankipur emerging as the most closely watched contest.